Dear Families,
Foundation Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving kindergarten through middle school students (grades K-8). Since opening our doors in 2007, we have provided a safe, secure, and successful learning environment to our students. We offer a well-rounded education including Art, PE, Spanish, STEM, and extra-curricular sports and clubs.
We partner with parents to support each child throughout each school year. This includes an individualized learning plan for each student that teachers and parents review together throughout the school year.
At Foundation Academy of Mansfield, we provide a safe and secure learning environment. We welcome you to explore Foundation Academy and look forward to the opportunity to serve your family.
Sincerely,
Ms. Joann Hipsher,
Retired Head of School
“We, the students, staff, and families of Foundation Academy, are committed to creating a safe and conductive learning environment of respect where children will develop good character and positive relationships while aspiring to achieve academic excellence.”
– Foundation Academy Mission Statement
Ms. Kimani - Head of School
Ms. Kimani joined Foundation Academy in 2007 as the Curriculum Implementation Specialist. She later became the Assistant Head of School, and as of July 1, 2017 was appointed to the Head of School. She is responsible for leading our school academically, including the professional development and progress of our faculty.
Ms. Kimani came to Foundation Academy with over 30 years of experience as a special education teacher, general education middle school teacher, assistant principal, and even a project manager in a software development company. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (K-12) and Elementary Education (1-8) from Dayton University. She brings with her a variety of talents such as playing the violin, traveling the world, and becoming a Hebrew scholar.
Joann Hipsher, Regional Vice President
Joann Hipsher worked in a traditional public school district for 30 years as a teacher and administrator prior to joining the charter school movement with Mosaica Education in 2007. She started Foundation Academy in 2007 serving as the Chief Administration Officer. When Mosaica was acquired by ACCEL Schools, she continued to serve in leadership as Principal of Foundation Academy, Director of Special Education, and currently, as Regional Vice President. Hipsher holds a Bachelor’s in Music and a Master’s in Special Education along with multiple certifications in Administration. With over 40 years in the field of education, Hipsher brings extensive experience and a passion for Arts education. Beloved by her Foundation Academy school community, the school building was named in her honor.
Staff Directory
Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.
