Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrie Raymore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sherrie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a child, I knew that I loved to do two things talk, lead and educate. I began my career in education almost two decades ago teaching in early elementary school and realized that older girls loved to come to me for advice and a listening ear. I moved on to teaching middle school mathematics which is where I discovered my purpose, which was to show young African American girls that they can do anything!
As an African American Mathematician and teacher, I found that my students were in awe that I was a female that was great with math and a mentor to them. After working in public education as a teacher and administrator, I knew that something needed to be done differently after seeing so many of my former students graduate from high school with no plan for the future.
Philmore Academy was established in 2016 to fill that void. As the first minority-owned STEM and Arts private school in the state of Georgia, our mission is centered around excellence in everything that they undertake, as well as exposure to career pathways in STEM and the Arts. Students not only leave prepared to take on the world but also having a plan for life after graduation.
Our motto of “excellence is our expectation “ creates the culture in our building and belief in our students to know that failure is not an option.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth, however through everything that I have been through my perseverance in spite of what it looks like has allowed me to reach heights and accomplish things that I would have never imagined possible.
One of the greatest struggles has been that as we grow in the student body, to ensure that all staff and teachers brought on to have the same belief system that I have that all students can achieve greatness and it is our job as the adults to help push them in it.
Please tell us about Philmore Academy.
Philmore Academy is a K-12, STEM and Arts private school that is centered around a culture of excellence. I am most proud of the opportunity to be able to provide an alternative to parents looking for a place where their child can not only learn academics but also develop them into leaders who have a plan for the future. I believe what sets us apart is that we are truly passionate about the success and growth of each student that enters our school.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be my 9th birthday party at McDonald’s where my parents had Ronald McDonald to show up. I had been asking for a party at McDonald’s for my friends and I for years, and when it finally happened, I was so happy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2285 Randall Road Lithonia, GA 30058
- Website: www.philmoreacademy.org
- Phone: 844-744-5667
- Email: info@philmoreacademy.org
- Instagram: Philmoreacademy
- Facebook: Phimoreacademy
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
