Welcome to College Park Academy!
Sandy Abu-Arja is the Executive Director of College Park Academy where her focus is strategic planning, marketing, development, and fundraising.
Prior to joining College Park Academy, she was an international educator for over 27 years, 16 of which were at a private, non-profit International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Over her career, she has had a record of achievement in international education, school accreditation, development, and implementing best practices for individual and organizational learning.
She is an Accreditation Team Lead for the Council of International Schools (CIS) and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accreditation Team Member.
She earned a B.S. in Economics and a B.S. and M.A. in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Her Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership is from Northeastern University where her research focus was on informal adult learning in the workplace.
Sandy Abu Arja
Executive Director
College Park Academy
I spent nearly a decade working in education, both as a teacher and administrator, before coming to CPA in 2015 as the assistant principal, and I am so glad I did.
I’m originally from Buffalo, New York, which is where I realized my passion for education and desire to impact and change students’ lives. I began my ongoing journey to becoming an educator and attended Buffalo State College, where I majored in childhood education (grades 1–8). Shortly after, I attended McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, for my master’s degree in educational administration. In Fall 2023, I begin my doctoral degree at the University of Maryland in school system leadership. I am very excited to take this next step as an educator.
The community here at CPA is one of the things that makes our school so special. Our students are bright, creative, and eager to learn. Our incredible staff members are empathetic and laser focused on student learning and well-being. Our parent and caretaker community are second to none that I’ve worked with over the years. Anytime we need anything here at CPA, we have an eager, supportive, dedicated community ready to jump to the enrichment of our students.
As College Park Academy continues to grow and thrive, we are grateful for the ongoing partnership with UMD, College Park and other community leaders, and many others who ensure our successes, including you.
Welcome to College Park Academy! Thank you for being here.
Steven Baker
Middle School Principal
College Park Academy
I came to CPA in 2017 after working as an educator for more than 30 years. I had the pleasure of being a teacher, administrator, coach, and principal, but never the principal of a public charter school. I thought it would be a great challenge, and as both a UMD and PGCPS graduate, working with them in their collaboration as well as fulfilling an exciting new role was the clear next step for me.
I’m originally from Detroit, MI, but have lived most of my life here in Maryland. I graduated from Potomac High School, right here in Prince George’s County, and then I began my path in education at the University of Maryland, where I received my BS in secondary education, social studies. From there, I pursued my Master of Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University, and in 2020, earned my doctorate degree in education from the University of Maryland.
I am so happy I came to CPA, where Middle School Principal, Mr. Baker and I have both inherited and built an amazing, caring learning environment that allows students to develop positive relationships with our staff. The community here is personal, engaging, respectful, and orderly, helping us create the safest learning environment in the state and encouraging our students academically every day.
I am also grateful for our relationship with our parent and caregiver community, who are among the most involved and active I’ve seen in my career. Together, we will ensure that our students thrive.
Thank you for your continued trust and faith in our school.
Gordon Libby
High School Principal
College Park Academy
I have always had a passion for education. Before coming to College Park Academy, I was a College Park City Council member when the city partnered with UMD to create CPA. Part of my mission was pushing education in the community. I stressed this same importance of education as a parent. I wanted the best possible opportunities for my children, which is why I am so happy CPA came to be, and even happier that my son graduated from here!
I joined CPA’s Board because it changed the dynamic of how people see Prince George’s County schools. With our online courses and rigorous curriculum, we provide a viable option for a quality education to children across the county, as well as in the College Park area. At one point, we had 100 different county schools with students attending College Park Academy. With this range of students, CPA has a large spread community involved in sharing our mission of quality education throughout the county, as well as the College Park area. I wanted to be a part of this positive change, and I look forward to spreading our mission even further.
I hope you will have the opportunity to join our community in one way or another.
Robert Day
Chair of Board of Directors
College Park Academy