Movement School
Freedom Elementary
We are preparing a new generation of students for college, careers and lifelong success by providing world-class academics, character development and personalized instruction. We believe each child has tremendous worth and potential, and we are devoted to the success of every child who comes through our doors.
2701 Freedom Dr,
Charlotte, NC 28208
Driving Directionsp. (704) 585-1356
e. freedom.office@movementschool.com
Freedom Elementary School Distinctives
Small-School Setting
We are a welcoming community school that will grow with your child. With our small group classroom settings, we develop personal relationships with every student and family.
Lead with Virtue
We weave virtue education throughout the day. We nurture an understanding of dignity, a context greater than one’s self, and the belief in giving of self to a greater cause.
Amazing Teachers
We hand-pick teachers to bring out the best in your child. They fill each classroom with instructional expertise, character, and love. Our teachers shine and are the heart of our school.
Become a Maverick
Admissions
Are you interested in becoming a Maverick? New scholar applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted from November 1, 2024, to February 6, 2025, for kindergarten through 5th grade.
Are you interested in becoming a Maverick? New scholar applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted from November 1, 2024, to February 6, 2025, for kindergarten through 5th grade.
Request Information
Meet the Principal
A.B. Brown is a proud native of Kansas City, Missouri, by way of St. Louis, Missouri, where she has called home for the past decade. The influence of her mother, an educator who ignited her passion for reading and learning, set her on a path toward a career in education.
A.B. pursued her academic journey at the University of Missouri – Columbia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She furthered her education with a Master of Education in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Beginning her professional career at KIPP St. Louis, A.B. served as the founding Middle School Special Education Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and 7th grade ELA teacher. Her dedication and excellence in teaching were recognized with the Rookie of the Year Award in 2016 for achieving the highest 7th grade ELA assessment data in KIPP St. Louis and the highest middle school ELA growth in the KIPP network as a first year ELA teacher.
Transitioning into administration, A.B. became the Director of Special Education at Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls for three years. She then served as Assistant Principal at KIPP St. Louis High School for one year before stepping into the role of Principal for the past two years. Under her leadership, 61% of tested subjects met or exceeded the KIPP national average for interim assessments, AP Literature data was the second highest in the KIPP network, and out-of-school suspensions decreased by 12%.
A.B. is a staunch advocate for inclusion, fostering a love of learning, and ensuring college access for students of color. Her educational philosophy centers on the quote, “Effective instruction is not about whether or not you taught it. Effective instruction is about whether or not students learned it.” She believes in coaching educators to change the landscape of learning through culturally relevant teaching, authenticity, and data-based instruction. Additionally, she is committed to preparing any student who wishes to attend college for successful entry and completion.
In her role as principal, A.B. engages collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, and community members, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and celebration to achieve shared goals. Outside of her professional life, A.B. is supported by her wonderful husband, DJ. She is a proud mother to two really cool kids: Samira, who is 18 and will be starting college in the fall, and Tatum Brave, who is 4 years old and about to begin Pre-K. In her free time, A.B. enjoys reading memoirs, hanging with friends, hiking, and taking on large DIY home projects.
Looking ahead, A.B. is focused on empowering teachers to meet high academic standards and fostering student growth in both academic aptitude and character through curiosity and self-discovery. She is excited to continue working closely with the school community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school and life.
Together,
Principal A.B. Brown
A.B. Brown is a proud native of Kansas City, Missouri, by way of St. Louis, Missouri, where she has called home for the past decade. The influence of her mother, an educator who ignited her passion for reading and learning, set her on a path toward a career in education.
A.B. pursued her academic journey at the University of Missouri – Columbia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She furthered her education with a Master of Education in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Beginning her professional career at KIPP St. Louis, A.B. served as the founding Middle School Special Education Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and 7th grade ELA teacher. Her dedication and excellence in teaching were recognized with the Rookie of the Year Award in 2016 for achieving the highest 7th grade ELA assessment data in KIPP St. Louis and the highest middle school ELA growth in the KIPP network as a first year ELA teacher.
Transitioning into administration, A.B. became the Director of Special Education at Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls for three years. She then served as Assistant Principal at KIPP St. Louis High School for one year before stepping into the role of Principal for the past two years. Under her leadership, 61% of tested subjects met or exceeded the KIPP national average for interim assessments, AP Literature data was the second highest in the KIPP network, and out-of-school suspensions decreased by 12%.
A.B. is a staunch advocate for inclusion, fostering a love of learning, and ensuring college access for students of color. Her educational philosophy centers on the quote, “Effective instruction is not about whether or not you taught it. Effective instruction is about whether or not students learned it.” She believes in coaching educators to change the landscape of learning through culturally relevant teaching, authenticity, and data-based instruction. Additionally, she is committed to preparing any student who wishes to attend college for successful entry and completion.
In her role as principal, A.B. engages collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, and community members, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and celebration to achieve shared goals. Outside of her professional life, A.B. is supported by her wonderful husband, DJ. She is a proud mother to two really cool kids: Samira, who is 18 and will be starting college in the fall, and Tatum Brave, who is 4 years old and about to begin Pre-K. In her free time, A.B. enjoys reading memoirs, hanging with friends, hiking, and taking on large DIY home projects.
Looking ahead, A.B. is focused on empowering teachers to meet high academic standards and fostering student growth in both academic aptitude and character through curiosity and self-discovery. She is excited to continue working closely with the school community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school and life.
Together,
Principal A.B. Brown
Meet the Charlotte Superintendent
Dedicated and results-driven education professional, Jenika M. Mullen, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of academic leadership. With a proven track record spanning over a decade, Jenika has excelled in various roles. Jenika has successfully coached school leaders across diverse districts and cities, including Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Bronx, NY, and New Rochelle, NY. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing Achievement First’s exercise-based math curriculum, contributing to the academic growth of students and educators alike.
Throughout her career, Jenika has demonstrated adaptability and versatility, serving in various capacities such as Senior Math Coach, Principal, Academic Dean, Dean of School Culture, Instructional Coach, and more. This diversity of roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of educational dynamics, from curriculum development to staff mentorship.
Armed with a Master of Education in Special Education from CUNY Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University, Jenika combines academic rigor with practical experience.
Recognized as an Achievement First Stage 4 Distinguished Teacher and a finalist for the Teach for America Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, Jenika Mullen continues to make significant contributions to the field of education. Her nomination for the Sue Lehman Award for Excellence in Teaching further underscores her commitment to shaping the future of education.
Jenika is not only an education professional but a catalyst for positive change, consistently leveraging her skills and knowledge to elevate the standards of education and inspire both students and colleagues.
Dedicated and results-driven education professional, Jenika M. Mullen, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of academic leadership. With a proven track record spanning over a decade, Jenika has excelled in various roles. Jenika has successfully coached school leaders across diverse districts and cities, including Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Bronx, NY, and New Rochelle, NY. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing Achievement First’s exercise-based math curriculum, contributing to the academic growth of students and educators alike.
Throughout her career, Jenika has demonstrated adaptability and versatility, serving in various capacities such as Senior Math Coach, Principal, Academic Dean, Dean of School Culture, Instructional Coach, and more. This diversity of roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of educational dynamics, from curriculum development to staff mentorship.
Armed with a Master of Education in Special Education from CUNY Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University, Jenika combines academic rigor with practical experience.
Recognized as an Achievement First Stage 4 Distinguished Teacher and a finalist for the Teach for America Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, Jenika Mullen continues to make significant contributions to the field of education. Her nomination for the Sue Lehman Award for Excellence in Teaching further underscores her commitment to shaping the future of education.
Jenika is not only an education professional but a catalyst for positive change, consistently leveraging her skills and knowledge to elevate the standards of education and inspire both students and colleagues.
Meet the Raleigh Superintendent
Jermaine Gassaway is a native of Washington, DC. He began advocating for quality education at a very young age which ultimately led to him deciding to leave DC at the age of 15 to attend a boarding school called The Piney Woods School in Jackson, Mississippi—a decision that changed his life and trajectory. Jermaine went on to become a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jermaine is a strong advocate for equity in public education, with a particular focus on increasing teacher diversity in public schools. He recently published Unopened Books: Multiplying the 2%, which documents “the unfathomable rate of black males in education” and details the transformative power of building a teacher workforce that more closely resembles the diversity of the students in our schools. Jermaine taught 3rd through 8th grades and was a 2010 Teach For America corps member in Detroit, where over 90 percent of his students scored “advanced” or “proficient” on the state standardized assessment (MEAP), and where he also served as Curriculum Coordinator.
Jermaine was previously the principal at Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary School for 4 years and has helped lead his school to achieve Reward status— the highest performance rating in the state of Tennessee. In addition, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary School grew 3 times faster than any other elementary school in Nashville on the state standardized assessment for the 2018-2019 school year. Jermaine also served as Rocketship’s Director of Schools for Nashville.
Jermaine is passionately committed to ensuring the success of all students. He fervently believes that all students deserve an excellent education and the quest to reach and complete college and achieve lifelong success starts now with every book read and every equation solved. He is excited to work closely with teachers, school leaders, and community members to ensure students are making the academic gains necessary to achieve this success in school and life. Jermaine is a proud husband and father to two amazing kids and his hobbies include running, traveling, and reading.
Jermaine Gassaway is a native of Washington, DC. He began advocating for quality education at a very young age which ultimately led to him deciding to leave DC at the age of 15 to attend a boarding school called The Piney Woods School in Jackson, Mississippi—a decision that changed his life and trajectory. Jermaine went on to become a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jermaine is a strong advocate for equity in public education, with a particular focus on increasing teacher diversity in public schools. He recently published Unopened Books: Multiplying the 2%, which documents “the unfathomable rate of black males in education” and details the transformative power of building a teacher workforce that more closely resembles the diversity of the students in our schools. Jermaine taught 3rd through 8th grades and was a 2010 Teach For America corps member in Detroit, where over 90 percent of his students scored “advanced” or “proficient” on the state standardized assessment (MEAP), and where he also served as Curriculum Coordinator.
Jermaine was previously the principal at Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary School for 4 years and has helped lead his school to achieve Reward status— the highest performance rating in the state of Tennessee. In addition, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary School grew 3 times faster than any other elementary school in Nashville on the state standardized assessment for the 2018-2019 school year. Jermaine also served as Rocketship’s Director of Schools for Nashville.
Jermaine is passionately committed to ensuring the success of all students. He fervently believes that all students deserve an excellent education and the quest to reach and complete college and achieve lifelong success starts now with every book read and every equation solved. He is excited to work closely with teachers, school leaders, and community members to ensure students are making the academic gains necessary to achieve this success in school and life. Jermaine is a proud husband and father to two amazing kids and his hobbies include running, traveling, and reading.
Meet Movement School's CEO
Kerri-Ann T. Thomas was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and her master’s degree in education from Columbia University. She became a teacher, dean/assistant principal, principal and superintendent for the Achievement First Network in Connecticut and New York. As a principal she made history at Achievement First as the first turnaround school to make the most growth and outperformed the district within one year and leading the number 1 elementary school in Hartford, CT. As a superintendent at AF she led the New York Elementary schools in East NY and was the entire NY ES lead. KTT relocated back south and took the role of CAO at Movement Charter schools in Charlotte, NC. Months later she became the CEO of Movement Schools partnering with school teams towards the Movement mission and its expansion. Kerri-Ann is also the author of two children’s books called “Roll Call” and “The Coffee Shop.” Another fun fact is that she owns a tea shop called Brooklyn Tea in Atlanta, GA. As an educator, pushes students and peers to believe that “although you are a product of your environment you do not have to become a duplicate of the majority.”
Kerri-Ann T. Thomas was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and her master’s degree in education from Columbia University. She became a teacher, dean/assistant principal, principal and superintendent for the Achievement First Network in Connecticut and New York. As a principal she made history at Achievement First as the first turnaround school to make the most growth and outperformed the district within one year and leading the number 1 elementary school in Hartford, CT. As a superintendent at AF she led the New York Elementary schools in East NY and was the entire NY ES lead. KTT relocated back south and took the role of CAO at Movement Charter schools in Charlotte, NC. Months later she became the CEO of Movement Schools partnering with school teams towards the Movement mission and its expansion. Kerri-Ann is also the author of two children’s books called “Roll Call” and “The Coffee Shop.” Another fun fact is that she owns a tea shop called Brooklyn Tea in Atlanta, GA. As an educator, pushes students and peers to believe that “although you are a product of your environment you do not have to become a duplicate of the majority.”
Movement School is a system of public charter schools in Charlotte, NC
Located in a newly renovated facility in West Charlotte, Movement Middle School opened in fall 2017 and serves 6th-8th grade.
“One child, one teacher, one book,
one pen can change the world.”
| Malala Yousafzai