Sansom takes the helm at Learning Academy

Often when there is a familiar face from local or state politics present in one of Santa Rosa County schools, it’s because there is an event or something to celebrate.

For students and staff at the Learning Academy in Milton, seeing Ray Sansom will be a daily experience.

Sansom had been filling the vacant position of principal of the alternative school; a job he anticipated would end when classes did. Instead, Sansom was hired as the new full time principal.

The Learning Academy is unique in many ways. Designed to provide alternative education for students that need an option other than traditional high school, students at the school are provided with an education that is molded to their needs.

The Learning Academy is a charter school, which means it receives public funding but is owned by a private company. The Rader Group, which owns the learning academy, also operates other charter schools around the country, including three other schools in northwest Florida. Students from all over Santa Rosa County attend the school.

“It’s your perfect private public partnership,” said Sansom.

For more on this story, see the June 30 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.