School Leader

• Shalia Garnett

  Shalia Garnett is the principal of Achievement First (AF) Bridgeport Academy Elementary School. She was born in New York City and resided there until she graduated high school. Ms. Garnett attended Fairfield University where she received her BA in communication with a minor in elementary education. While working as a teacher at AF Bridgeport Elementary, she received her MS in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport. During her six years working at AF she has taken on a few different roles: She was a teacher and completed the AF’s leadership fellows’ program, Shalia also served as a representative for the board of directors and most recently served as interim principal and second-grade academic dean at AF Bridgeport Academy Elementary.She is extremely passionate about creating vibrant schools where kids thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is also passionate about empowering staff, scholars, and families to advocate for themselves as well as support each other. At school, you can often catch Shalia joining dance breaks in class, sending love to her scholars and staff, and affirming strong learning by giving feedback on student work. Shalia values family relationships and built many through impromptu after-school volunteer tutoring sessions and talent show practices. In her free time, she loves spending time with her loved ones, volunteering, and working on her personal goals such as real estate.