School Leader

• 

  Leisel Renaud

  Ms. Renaud was previously part of the Achievement First Voyager Middle School team and now leads as the Principal of Achievement First Elm City Middle School.  Before joining Achievement First, she held multiple roles at Uncommon Schools, including Dean of Culture and Science Coach, where she worked tirelessly to foster academic excellence and cultural growth. Ms. Renaud’s mission extends beyond the classroom. Her hands-on approach to student life underscores her belief that education extends beyond the classroom and that every student deserves a well-rounded, supportive school experience.

  Having worked in nonprofit settings supporting homeless mothers and the elderly, she witnessed firsthand the educational disparities impacting vulnerable communities. Her time at West End inspired her to develop GED programming, create a children’s library, and partner with the Children’s Museum of New York to offer specialized programs for youth. This experience led her to transition to education, where she realized middle school is a pivotal point in a child’s academic journey.

  With a strong belief that education is a pathway to transformative opportunities, Ms. Renaud is excited to lead Elm City with a vision of continuing to curate spaces where scholars can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—within a community that feels like their own.