Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is welcoming Adaarema S. Kelly as the new principal of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, starting July 1, 2025.
Kelly, who currently leads Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, brings over 25 years of K-12 education experience to her new position.
“Adaarema S. Kelly will join Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School as its new principal, effective July 1, 2025. Kelly is a transformative educational leader who leads from the heart, driven by a deep commitment to student success and lasting school improvement,” ACPS shares in an announcement on their website. “With a proven track record of improving student outcomes, fostering a positive school culture and strengthening community partnerships, she has served as principal of Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School (Tucker) since 2022 and has led significant academic growth, increased student engagement and improved school climate. Prior to that, she served as the assistant principal and intersession coordinator at Tucker since 2017, where she played a key role in developing and managing the school’s improvement plan”.
“Principal Kelly has been a visionary leader focused on leveraging data to drive instructional excellence and school improvement,” said Michael Routhouska, Executive Director of School Leadership. “Her leadership at Tucker has led to measurable growth in student performance, and we are confident that her dedication, experience and passion for equity will greatly benefit the students, staff and families of Jefferson-Houston.”
ACPS continues, “With over 25 years of experience in K–12 education, Kelly has served as a principal, assistant principal, special education teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) elective teacher. She brings expertise in equity-driven instruction, leadership development and student-centered learning. Since assuming the principalship at Tucker, she has transformed the school, achieving an 85% accreditation score in the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Accountability System (2024) and securing Title I funding to expand academic programming, interventions and professional development. Her implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) has driven measurable student achievement gains, including a 17-point increase in reading, 23 points in math, 13 points in science, and 20.2 points in history. Chronic absenteeism also went down by over 10 points in two years, reinforcing her commitment to student engagement. In 2024, Tucker earned the prestigious Purple Star Designation Award, which recognizes schools that are committed to supporting students and families connected to the military”.
Born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in West Philadelphia, Kelly finished high school in Hong Kong. She has degrees from Susquehanna University and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She’s set to defend her doctorate at George Washington University by April 30, 2025.
According to an ACPS spokesperson, the following messages were shared with the Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School and Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School communities.
Announcement to Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School
A Message From Principal Kelly
Principal Kelly • 2 hours ago • Friday, Apr 4 at 11:45 AM • Samuel W. Tucker Elementary SchoolDear Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School Community,
It is with a full heart that I share some bittersweet news. I have been selected to serve as the next principal of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School, and my departure from Samuel W. Tucker (Tucker) will be effective June 13, 2025. While I am excited for this next chapter, leaving this incredible school community is not easy. Serving as your principal has been one of the greatest joys and honors of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the relationships, memories, and growth we have experienced together.
From the moment I stepped into Tucker, I knew this was a special place, a school filled with dedicated educators, engaged families, and, most importantly, brilliant and resilient students. Together, we have worked tirelessly to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and support. Watching our students grow, achieve, and develop into confident learners has been the most rewarding experience, and it is this foundation that has prepared me to step into my new role at Jefferson-Houston with the same passion and commitment.
Though I will be transitioning to a new role, my priority is ensuring a smooth and seamless leadership transition for Tucker. I will actively support the hiring process for the next principal and work closely with the school community to ensure that Tucker continues to thrive. This school is built on a legacy of strength, and I have no doubt that the next leader will continue to build upon the incredible work we have done together.
To our students, thank you for inspiring me everyday. You are the heart of Tucker, and I will always cherish the moments we have shared. To our families, your partnership and trust have meant the world to me, and I am grateful for your unwavering support. To our incredible staff, your dedication, hard work, and love for our students are what make Tucker such a remarkable place. I am so proud to have been part of this journey with you all.
While this is not goodbye, but rather a see you soon, please know that I will always carry Tucker in my heart. I look forward to celebrating our time together in the coming weeks and seeing all the incredible things this
community will continue to accomplish.“Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.”
With deep gratitude,
Adaarema Kelly
Principal
Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School
Alexandria City Public Schools
Announcement to Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School
