Leadership Team

Principal

Dr. Adaarema S. Kelly joined Jefferson-Houston PreK–8 IB School as its new principal effective June 16, 2025. She previously served as principal of Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School from 2022 to 2025, where she led significant improvements in academic growth, student engagement, and school climate.

With more than 25 years of experience in K–12 education, Dr. Kelly has served as a principal, assistant principal, special education teacher, and AVID elective teacher. She brings deep expertise in equity-driven instruction, leadership development, and student-centered learning.

Dr. Kelly was born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in West Philadelphia. She graduated from high school in Hong Kong before earning degrees from Susquehanna University, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and The George Washington University, where she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. She has completed prestigious leadership programs, including the National Aspiring Principals Academy at the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the New and Aspiring Leaders Program at Harvard University.

A proud military spouse and mother of two college-aged children, Dr. Kelly has worked in six school districts across the United States and internationally, bringing a global perspective and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

Email: adaarema.kelly@acps.k12.va.us

Dean of Students

Andre Keys serves as dean of students at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, as of the 2025-26 school year.  As an experienced dean of students in the K-8 environment, Keys brings a wealth of experience centered on student support, behavior intervention and school culture. His background includes implementing restorative practices, male mentoring, supporting positive behavior systems, and collaborating closely with teachers and families to create a safe and inclusive learning environment. 

Keys is skilled in conflict resolution and works to ensure that all students feel supported both socially and emotionally. He contributes to the instructional mission of the school by partnering with staff to promote strong classroom management and engagement strategies. In addition, he plays a key role in maintaining effective school operations, supporting discipline systems, and upholding high expectations for student conduct. Keys fosters relationships that honor the diverse backgrounds of students and families, ensuring all students have access to the support they need to succeed.

Prior to joining Alexandria City Public Schools in 2018, Keys was a school counselor for Prince George’s County Public Schools. He also served in the United States Navy from 1992-1996.

Keys received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University (Norfolk State) and a Master of Education in Urban Education from Norfolk State as well.

Keys earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University.

andre.keys@acps.k12.va.us

Academic Principal

Ms. Young was recently promoted to Academic Principal after serving as Assistant Principal at Jefferson-Houston since 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum, and Post-Masters Certified Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration. She possesses the impetus, drive, and ability to lead school improvement efforts, especially for schools designated at Title I.

Ms. Young has decades of experience that includes working in various schools and grade levels. Her prior leadership experiences include: serving as Specialist for the South Carolina Department of Education for Title I schools needing support and instructional coaching, serving as an Assistant Principal in elementary and middle schools, serving as a math specialist and serving as a representative on several district and state committees. On an international level, she has served as a Fulbright Memorial Fund participant to Japan; and she was instrumental in helping her former school become an International Model PLC school. In addition to serving in these leadership roles, Ms. Young has proudly taught elementary and middle grades as a teacher leader. These opportunities demonstrate her flexibility, strong curriculum background, appreciation for diversity, and ability to collaborate with students, teachers and families in any school system and on any level.

Ms. Young’s experiences and background illustrate proven, effective leadership capabilities to support instruction and contribute to Jefferson-Houston’s continued success. She has supported literacy, math and science instruction in elementary and middle grades, created innovative ways to meet the needs of all learners and leveraged resources to support students’ academic, social and emotional growth. She has received several awards and recognitions throughout the years with the most recent award being named a K-12 DIVE Rising Principal. However, she believes there is no greater award or achievement than the joy of working with students, families and staff to give students what they need to succeed.

Email: tiffany.young@acps.k12.va.us

Assistant Principal

Francise Fernandez has been an educator for 14 years. She has taught in Fairfax County, New York City, and Alexandria City; at both Jefferson-Houston PK-8 and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary.

Ms. Fernandez returns to Alexandria City Public Schools from Washington, D.C., where she served as an Assistant Principal at a PK-8 school. Her goal as an educator has always been to create an environment in which students are not only an active part of their own learning, but one in which they are able to see themselves reflected in the community and curriculum through which they are being taught.

As a teacher and leader, Ms. Fernandez has led and facilitated school-based professional development for teachers and staff in elementary and middle school; coached teachers around instructional practices and inquiry; and conducted targeted action research in mathematics classrooms in order to positively impact mathematics achievement among students.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Temple University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wilmington University; and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Leadership, through George Washington University.

Email: francise.fernandez@acps.k12.va.us