Academics
Single Hero
Montgomery Academy prides itself on outstanding academics from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade.
Our Upper School offers more Advanced Placement (AP) classes than any other private school in the area. Our college acceptance list is impressive—with seniors admitted to some of the country’s most prestigious colleges and universities.
Faculty is MA’s strongest asset. They are highly skilled, dedicated, caring, creative and passionate educators. Teachers place a priority on seeing each child as an individual and tailoring their teaching style to target his or her strengths, interests and areas for improvement.
Academic Support Specialists in the Lower School and “coach classes” in the Middle and Upper Schools provide customized learning opportunities for students who need either enrichment or extra help. This personalized approach extends beyond the classroom into the art studio, music room, playing fields as well as the college counseling process.
Technology is incorporated throughout the Lower, Middle and Upper School curriculum in intentional and strategic ways to enhance teaching and learning. MA students learn to learn. They develop the critical thinking and communication skills, problem solving, character and habits of mind that set them up for success in college and in their lives.
Academics Fast Facts
75%
faculty members hold advanced degrees
24
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered
57,000
Volumes in our two libraries
230
National Merit Semifinalists with 213 Finalists since 1966
Meet Our Division Directors
SARAH HOUSLEY
Lower School Director
334-273-7175
sarah_housley@montgomeryacademy.org
Sarah Housley is the Lower School Director at The Montgomery Academy. She earned a bachelor's degree in General Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-6) through the Multiple Abilities Program at The University of Alabama in 2007.
In 2012, she completed the Reading Specialist Program at The University of Alabama and earned a master's degree in Secondary Education, Curriculum & Instruction.
Sarah has served in public education and independent schools.
KATIE LAVELLE
Middle School Director
334-273-7119
katie_lavelle@montgomeryacademy.org
Katie Lavelle is the Middle School Director at The Montgomery Academy. Prior to joining MA in 2022, Mrs. Lavelle served as the Seventh Grade Dean and a seventh and eighth grade math teacher at Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland.
Prior to her position at Holton-Arms, Mrs. Lavelle taught math and served as a Technology Integration Specialist at the Westminster Schools of Atlanta.
Before shifting careers into the world of education, Mrs. Lavelle was an accountant for Ernst & Young. She holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Georgia.
CONNIE DEAL
Upper School Director
334-273-7115
connie_deal@montgomeryacademy.org
Connie Deal is the Upper School Director at The Montgomery Academy. Prior to moving into this position, Ms. Deal was in the MA classroom for over 20 years as a teacher of visual art and art history.
She also served as the Director of the Arts and Auxiliary Programs and Civic Engagement. Beyond MA, Ms. Deal has served as president of the Alabama Art Education Association, and she was recently recognized by that organization as the "Alabama Art Educator of the Year." Ms. Deal earned her bachelor's degree in fine art from Huntingdon College and a master's degree in art education and educational leadership from Boston University.