Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Smith. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Dr. Cynthia Smith. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Smith has built a career on turning no’s into “Nobody can stop me!” After graduating from Andrew Jackson High School on Jacksonville’s East Side, Smith completed Education and Curriculum degrees at The University of North Florida. As a first-generation college graduate, Smith kept going, eventually earning a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and achieving this before turning forty while working full-time and managing her active family. Smith’s dissertation focused on research about improving reading achievement amongst African American males. school completion to achieving district records for improvement in statewide test scores to leading dramatic school turnaround teams in some of Jacksonville’s most challenging communities. Disillusioned as she waited for a much – Dr. Smith has a proven legacy of impact, from mentoring at-risk youth in reading, writing and math to promote high deserved school principal role, Smith decided to transition her talents to early learning, launching early learning centers. Purchasing and renovating two buildings across from her high school, launching Minds of the Future Academy and establishing a multi-campus STEAM VPK-2nd grade private school.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success is not a smooth ride. I had to create partnerships within the community and educate the community on the need for a non-traditional education. Our community has been complacent for far too long with the traditional ways of educating. When going against the status quo, even if it is good reason to do so can be very difficult. Community and partnership engagement has been a challenge because not only did I provide data to support the need for preparing children’s minds for the future I had to ask for their support beyond the need to be a part of the process. I had to start asking for their financial support. Most private schools have donors that give financially. In the area in which my school is located giving financially to private schools is inexistent. I have to work to bring in partners from outside the community to share the great things we are doing to excel students beyond a legacy of learning. Although it was a personal choice of mine to open a private school in the area of town that I grew up in I expected these hardships and I am still continuing to work to rise above them.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Education. I am better known as the Educated Educator. My mother often told me, “Once you get an education, no one can take that away from you” That still resonates with me today. I opened up the first STEM private school academy in Jacksonville, Florida in an impoverished area to provide students the opportunity to soar. Students that attend my school must be in a low-income households. We have had visitors from all over the world to come visit our school. Our students are known as confident and enthusiastic learners. We have been in existence for three years and has carried a waitlist for students to get into our school, At this time, we are looking to expand our 15,0000sqf space. I am most proud that I created this academy and the excellence that our students display supersedes the next high-performing private school. We have won the robotics competition the past two years, 87% of our students are exceeding expectations at or above their grade level, and our parents understand how important parent support is to a child’s success and they demonstrate this through supporting the school.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I liked to play with neighborhood friends. I really enjoyed school because that was the only excitement I had going on in my life that I could remember. I was in the band. I looked forward to a band because that was my outlet to see my city, My mom did not have a car, so being in the band gave me an opportunity to go places for performances that I had never been. On the weekends, I would go to my grandparent’s house. I got to play with cousins but my auntie made sure I was in church ALL day on Sundays. Looking back, I appreciate the foundation she laid for me by making sure I was in church. Growing up, I thought I wanted to be an attorney but as I got older, I knew I’d be an educator. Looking back playing with cousins and friends, I had to always be the teacher. I was always outgoing and displayed leadership skills. I am the oldest cousin and after my brother died, I became the oldest sibling. So even if I didn’t want to be in charge, I had to be 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindsofthefutureacademy.com
- Instagram: drsmithjax
- Facebook: drsmithjax
- Youtube: minds of the future academy
Image Credits
Bracy Photos
