A College preparatory Charter School

For BOYS
Wilmington, Delaware

Giving boys a real chance for a real future

January 28, 2015

Dear Prestige Academy Friends and Family,

Your awareness of the work we are doing at Prestige Academy is of the utmost importance to the continued
success of the school. Therefore, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to share with you that Dr. Jack
Perry, our founder and executive director, has decided to resign effective July 1, 2015.
The Board sincerely appreciates the tremendous contribution that Dr. Perry has made in establishing Prestige
Academy and is proud of the positive impact our school has made on our community. Leading the talented
Prestige team for seven years, Dr. Perry transformed the school from an idea to a reality, and is leaving the
school well positioned to succeed.
Over the past several months, the Board, Dr. Perry, and key administrators have been working together to
improve the educational program offered to our young men to ensure they have the skills necessary to access
great high schools and ultimately college. New strategies to engage students in each classroom as well as
teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development are just a few of the ongoing improvements
underway which will continue during and after this leadership transition.
Please know that administrative transitions are an expected part of a schools evolution. Prestige has been
fortunate to benefit from Dr. Perrys relatively long tenure, which is beyond the typical duration for a
founding leader. Going forward, our very talented and experienced administrators together with a dedicated
faculty will ensure that Prestige continues to offer a great education for Delawares boys.
As an immediate next step, to spearhead the search for our next leader, the Board is meeting with several
executive search teams with significant urban education reform and charter school experience, and a final team
will be announced shortly. In the meantime, I thank you for your continued support and ask you to join me in
celebrating the bright future and potential that lies ahead for Prestige Academy and Dr. Perry.
Sincerely,

Donald C. Mell III

Board Chair
Prestige Academy

1121 Thatcher Street Wilmington, DE 19802 PHONE: 302.762.3240 Fax: 302.762.4782

Prestige Academy prepares young men in grades 5-8 for admission to and success in demanding college preparatory high schools.
In a highly structured, achievement-oriented school culture, Prestige Academy students develop a strong academic foundation in the core
subjects and the REAL values necessary for success: Respect and Responsibility, Excellence in Behavior, Academic Mastery, and Leadership.