Baton Rouge, La. (July 12, 2024) – Helix Community Schools proudly announces the appointment of veteran educator Karen Hamilton as the founding high school principal of Helix Aviation Academy.
Hamilton will oversee the new high school division, which includes the first class of ninth graders who will start in August at the new campus, 7701 Plank Road, in Baton Rouge. In her new role, Hamilton will also be responsible for the expansion of the high school program, recruitment and retention and academic success.
With seventeen years of experience in education, Hamilton is a renowned advocate for student growth, classroom culture, and student data analysis. Her extensive leadership experience includes roles as mentor teacher, master teacher, instructional coach, and grade-level dean, where she focused on curriculum execution, behavior management, and teacher development. In addition, she has ten years of valuable classroom teaching experience.
She most recently served as the high school instructional coach and 11th grade level lead at Collegiate Academies in Baton Rouge.
She has a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in exercise and sports science and education from the University of Memphis. She also earned a master of arts in education with a concentration in teacher leadership from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.
“Ms. Hamilton brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our campus and we’re so excited to have her as part of our team,” said Charita Sellers, executive director and founding principal of Helix Aviation Academy.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve and help lead Helix Aviation’s staff and students to reach their highest potential,” Hamilton said.
Helix Community Schools recently announced the acquisition of IDEA University Prep’s (UP) Plank Road campus facilities at 7701 Plank Road. The campus will become part of Helix Aviation Academy which is the only public school in the state located on an airport (Baton Rouge Metro Airport) and features a curriculum focused on careers in aviation, space exploration, and cyber technology. School officials also announced earlier this year that they were adding three new grades – kindergarten, first and ninth – at the school this fall.