About Us
Hope Academy GSO is a Christ-centered school for children and families who most need an excellent schooling option and an education that can transform their futures. We are almost entirely funded and supported by the surrounding community.
Our Mission
Through the hope and power of Christ, we partner with families and the community to educate, encourage, and equip our students to transform their futures.
Educate
Our students will graduate from Hope Academy at or above grade level and be prepared to excel in high school, college, and in life. Biblical truth will be the foundation of their learning, resulting in understanding and wisdom as they grow and develop the mind of Christ.
Encourage
Our students will trust in God’s grace and will come to know and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As they grow spiritually in confidence and with a hope for their future, they will also grow in the ability to make good choices, to choose and control their emotional responses, and expand their feelings of worth and self-esteem.
Equip
Our students will be equipped to thrive physically and make healthy decisions. They will learn financial skills to prepare them for success and to develop positive support systems they can access in times of need. They will be prepared to live productive lives as servant leaders in the community and in God’s kingdom.
Educate
Our students will graduate from Hope Academy at or above grade level and be prepared to excel in high school, college, and in life. Biblical truth will be the foundation of their learning, resulting in understanding and wisdom as they grow and develop the mind of Christ.
Encourage
Our students will trust in God’s grace and will come to know and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As they grow spiritually in confidence and with a hope for their future, they will also grow in the ability to make good choices, to choose and control their emotional responses, and expand their feelings of worth and self-esteem.
Equip
Our students will be equipped to thrive physically and make healthy decisions. They will learn financial skills to prepare them for success and to develop positive support systems they can access in times of need. They will be prepared to live productive lives as servant leaders in the community and in God’s kingdom.
Our Vision
Children growing into who God has called them to be.
Faculty & Staff
Mattie Neese
Head of School
Shawntina Dennis
Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Kristine Hammer
Director of Learning
Valerie Sagero
Director of Development
Gayla Renslow
Development Accounts Manager
Bre Johnson
Director of Marketing and School Engagement
Adam Hubert
6th – 8th Grade Science Teacher
Director of Student and Family Services
Athletics Director
Amanda Robinson
Kindergarten Teacher
Berkeley Bradsher
Elementary Department Chair
1st Grade Teacher
Manasés Arias
2nd Grade Teacher
Kindra Chambers
3rd Grade Teacher
Sarah Cobb
4th Grade Teacher
Gabriel Tolson
5th Grade Teacher
Dominick Pittman
Middle School Department Chair
Assistant Athletic Director
3rd – 8th Grade Math Teacher
Mary Elizabeth Caldwell
6th - 8th Grade Math Teacher
Susan Long
6th - 8th Grade English Teacher
Gabrielle Warren
K – 4th Grade Outdoor
Education Teacher
Ansel Talbert
5th – 8th Grade Physical
Education Teacher
Stephanie Weaver
Special Education Teacher
Jacki Saslow
Instructional Support Specialist
Muriel Manning
English Language Learner Support
Vivian Mestre
Lead NEST Coordinator
Atayah Smith
NEST Support Staff
Ava Gallant
NEST Support Staff
Brigitte Campbell
Food Services Manager
Nikki Harris
Food Service
Regina Carson
Van Driver
Joao Gomez
Facilities Support
Hope Academy Annual Report
Every year, we look forward to sharing all the wonderful things happening in our school and our community. Our annual report honors God’s never-ending faithfulness by celebrating our students’ achievements and showcasing the work of our teachers, staff, and volunteers. Our community is vital to our growth, and we thank you for making Hope Academy a safe and vibrant place for children to become who God created them to be.
Board of Directors
Charles Amisial
Hope Parent
Michelle Brooks
Volunteer
James Goins
Pastor of Rooted City Fellowship
Gerard Clodomir
Hope Alumni Parent
Eric Hines
Pastor of Christian Family Center
Susie Guhne
Women's Ministry Director
Rich Newman
President at Pennybyrn
Tom Paulsen
Retired Experienced Educator
Barry Utesch
Chairman of the Board
Regina Clark
Founder & Board Emeritus
Marshall Benbow
Founder & Board Emeritus
Statement of Faith
We believe in the only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, full of love and glory.
We believe in Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.
We believe in the unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness, and authority of the Bible.
We believe in the value and dignity of all people: created in God’s image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.
We believe in Justification by God’s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
We believe in the indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to fruitful service.
We believe in the unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping, witnessing and making disciples throughout the world.
We believe in the victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.
To God be the glory forever.