Pinnacle Classical Academy announces retirement of Dr. Shelly Shope
The board of directors of Pinnacle Classical Academy celebrates the career and announces the retirement of Dr. Shelly Shope, who is concluding her tenure as the school's CEO on September 1. Board members, faculty, and staff honored Dr. Shope's contributions to the school at a retirement party on August 4.
Dr. Shope has led the public charter school since 2019 and has overseen growth in enrollment from 987 to 1,252 students. Under her leadership, the school graduated its first 262 alumni, who were offered a total of $33,464,710 in multi-year academic merit and athletic scholarships.
Dr. Shope also oversaw the expansion and official dedication of the grade 4-12 campus, as well as the payoff of the $1.1-million loan that funded the construction of the school's K-3 campus.
"Pinnacle’s board of directors is immensely proud of the exceptional leadership Dr. Shope has provided ," said Sen. Debbie Clary, the school's board chair and cofounder. "Our entire administrative team holds her in the highest regard, and we deeply appreciate her dedication as CEO. We look forward to continuing our strong, collaborative partnership in the years ahead."
Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in Shelby with 1,252 students. U.S. News & World Report recognizes the school as one of the best elementary schools, best middle schools, and best high schools in America.