When students return to the Chester County Family Academy in West Chester for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 12, they will meet their match in terms of excitement: a new chief executive officer.

Dr. Chadwick Antonio can’t wait to meet the students who were frequently referenced when he went through the CCFA CEO Search Committee process recently.

“I’ll fire up all the engines,” he said. “That’s the part I like the most.”

Antonio takes the reins from Susan Flynn, who retired from the top position at the K-2 school after nearly seven years. Flynn had worked as a teacher at CCFA since 1997. The public charter school, one of the state’s earliest, was founded in 1997 to carry out the vision of local philanthropists Dick and Sheila Sanford “to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Since its inception, the K-2 school has academically and socially prepared more than 1,500 underprivileged children for the third grade.

The school was specifically designed to provide a private school-style education for young learners who, along with their families, are struggling with limited resources. CCFA teaches the importance of education, respect, and hard work, to guide students and parents collectively, through life challenges and choices.

The school’s new leader is eager to continue that legacy.

“In a lot of ways, this school represents a best-kept secret,” Antonio said. “I want to get the message out about all the wonderful things we’re doing and amplify it.”

Click here to learn more about Chester County Family Academy.