Upon first meeting Dr. Calandra Sales, you’re immediately struck by her warmth and energy. Her dynamic presence and captivating smile light up any room—but don’t let that smile fool you. Behind it is a fierce, determined leader with an unwavering mission: to serve the families of Fairfield and the surrounding areas through high-quality education.
As someone who grew up in Midfield, I was personally excited to learn about the opening of Independence Preparatory Academy, the innovative charter school Dr. Sales is launching in Fall 2025. This school represents a tremendous opportunity for students in Fairfield, and I was eager to learn how New Schools for Alabama’s School Founders Program helped guide Dr. Sales on this journey.
A Journey of Dedication and Leadership
Dr. Sales’ path to founding a school is built on years of experience and an undeniable passion for education. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Mathematics Education from Alabama A&M University, she went on to receive both her master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University. She has held a wide range of roles in education—teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, content and assessment director, school leader, and director of leader development at IDEA Public Schools in Tampa, FL.
In 2023, she took her expertise to the next level, completing school founder fellowships with BES and New Schools for Alabama. Now, as the proud Founder and Executive Director of Independence Preparatory Academy, she is turning her vision into reality by offering students a rigorous, student-centered education focused on independence and lifelong learning.
Overcoming Challenges & Building Community
Launching a new school isn’t easy, and for Dr. Sales, one of the biggest obstacles has been building trust and engagement within the community. She knew that introducing a new school to families required more than just a strong academic vision—it required genuine relationships.
"My biggest obstacle in founding a school has been building trust and engagement within the community while conveying the vision and value of a new school," Dr. Sales explains. She tackled this challenge by hosting informational sessions, listening to families’ concerns, and fostering authentic partnerships. Through consistent outreach and transparency, she has built strong relationships, ensuring that families feel heard, valued, and involved in shaping the school’s future.
The Power of Parent Engagement
For Dr. Sales, parent engagement is not just encouraged—it’s essential. At Independence Preparatory Academy, parents will be partners in their child’s education. This means open communication, collaborative decision-making, and meaningful involvement opportunities.
Parents will be invited to workshops, volunteer in classrooms, serve on advisory boards, and help shape school policies. This approach ensures that the school is truly a community-driven effort, where every child benefits from the collective commitment of educators and families alike.
Looking Ahead: A Bold Vision for the Future
Over the next two years, Dr. Sales has big plans for Independence Preparatory Academy:
✅ Establishing a strong academic program that fosters independence, critical thinking, and high achievement.
✅ Building a collaborative school culture through family and community engagement.
✅ Expanding professional development to equip teachers with the tools to provide exceptional instruction.
✅ Growing enrollment by sharing the school’s vision and impact with more families.
Advice for Future School Founders
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring school founders, Dr. Sales emphasizes the importance of staying true to your mission.
"Stay deeply connected to your 'why.' Founding a school is a challenging journey, but keeping your vision and purpose at the center will guide your decisions and sustain you through obstacles," she shares.
She encourages future school leaders to listen to the needs of the community, remain adaptable, and build a strong support network. With the right support, like that provided by New Schools for Alabama’s School Founders Program, turning a vision into a reality is possible.
As Independence Preparatory Academy prepares to open its doors in Fall 2025, Dr. Sales continues to inspire, lead, and create a school that will empower students and families for generations to come.
Learn more about the school founders program HERE.
📍 Location: Fairfield, AL🌐 Website: https://learnatiprep.com/
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