Founding enrollment opens January 2027Classes begin August 2027Serving grades 6–8

Meet the Founder

Why I Created Everstead Academy

Every child deserves to be known, challenged, and prepared for what's next.

Everstead Academy was created from the belief that middle school should be a time when students gain confidence, discover their strengths, and build the academic foundation for lifelong success—not a time when they become overlooked in overcrowded classrooms.

Our mission is to create an environment where students are challenged academically, supported personally, and inspired to discover their purpose before entering high school.

Chae Morrison, Founder of Everstead Academy

Chae Morrison

Founder, Everstead Academy

Middle school is one of the most important—and often overlooked—chapters in a student's life.

The Journey That Led to Everstead

Education Has Always Been My Calling

Education has never been just a career for me—it has always been my calling.

Throughout my professional journey, I have had the privilege of serving students and families in multiple educational leadership roles, including as a Dean, college professor, Academic Advisor, and Site Partner. These experiences gave me a front-row seat to the challenges students face at every stage of their educational journey—from middle school through college.

In addition to my work in education, I've also held executive leadership positions in the private sector, leading teams, coaching professionals, developing talent, and building high-performing organizations. Those experiences taught me that success isn't determined by intelligence alone. It's built through discipline, confidence, accountability, strong relationships, and opportunities to grow.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both of which strengthened my passion for leadership, innovation, and creating organizations that make a lasting impact.

As I reflected on everything I had learned throughout my career, one truth became clear: middle school is one of the most important—and often overlooked—chapters in a student's life.

These are the years when students begin forming their identity, developing study habits, building confidence, and discovering who they want to become. Yet too many students become just another number in overcrowded classrooms, missing the individualized attention and encouragement they deserve.

I knew there had to be a better way.

That vision became Everstead Academy—a school intentionally designed to combine academic excellence, live instruction, meaningful relationships, character development, and future-focused learning in an environment where every student is truly known, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.

Engaged middle school students learning together
Why Everstead Exists

Building the School I Wish More Families Had Access To

Everstead Academy was created to bridge the gap between traditional schooling and the individualized support many students need to truly thrive.

Our educational model intentionally combines:

Live teacher-led instruction
Small student cohorts
Career exploration in middle school
Character development in everyday learning
High academic expectations
Strong partnerships with families

Every decision we make is guided by one simple question:

"Will this better prepare students for the future?"

My Educational Philosophy

I Believe Students Learn Best When They Are

Known personally

Challenged academically

Supported consistently

Encouraged to think independently

Given opportunities to discover their strengths

Held to high expectations

Prepared for life—not just the next grade level

These beliefs shape every classroom, every teacher, every decision, and every student experience at Everstead Academy.

These are the years when students need the greatest investment.

Why Middle School Matters

The Years That Shape Everything

Middle school is one of the most influential seasons in a child's life.

It is during these years that students begin developing confidence, work ethic, leadership skills, independence, and a clearer understanding of who they are becoming.

Unfortunately, these years are often overlooked.

At Everstead Academy, we believe this is exactly when students need the greatest investment.

Instead of waiting until high school to prepare students for college and careers, we begin cultivating those habits, skills, and opportunities now—when they can have the greatest lifelong impact.

Our Promise

Our Promise to Families

When families choose Everstead Academy, they can expect:

Exceptional teaching
Small learning communities
Clear and consistent communication
High academic expectations
Character-centered education
Strong relationships with teachers
An environment where every child is known, challenged, supported, and encouraged to thrive

Our commitment extends beyond academic success. We are preparing students to become thoughtful leaders, lifelong learners, and individuals of integrity.

Looking Toward the Future

A Personal Message

Everstead Academy is more than a school.

It is the realization of a vision shaped by years of working with students, families, educators, and leaders across education and business.

My hope is that every student who walks through Everstead's doors discovers confidence, purpose, and the belief that they are capable of accomplishing extraordinary things.

My hope is that every family experiences genuine partnership, clear communication, and the confidence that their child is receiving an education intentionally designed for long-term success.

Thank you for considering Everstead Academy.

It would be an honor to partner with your family as we help students pursue excellence, build character, and discover purpose.

Chae Morrison

Chae Morrison

Founder, Everstead Academy

Ready to Learn More?

Begin your journey with Everstead Academy and become part of our founding community.