Grimes to lead Phoenix Academy
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Clark County Public Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Courtney Grimes as the new Principal of Phoenix Academy.
For Grimes, this opportunity represents more than a leadership position — it is a meaningful return to a school and community that helped shape both her career and her purpose in
education.
A Clark County resident since 2002, she began her career at George Rogers Clark
High School before serving at Strode Station Elementary and later joining Phoenix Academy, where her passion for alternative education first took root.
Grimes brings more than 20 years of K–12 experience, serving in roles including classroom
teacher, library media specialist, professional growth and effectiveness coach, alternative school educator, and assistant principal.
Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as an innovative, student-centered leader dedicated to building meaningful relationships, creating engaging learning environments, and helping students overcome barriers to achieve success.
Most recently, Grimes served as Assistant Principal at Crawford Middle School Leadership
Academy in Fayette County Public Schools, where she supported implementation of the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant focused on leadership, literacy, and civic
engagement.
She also brings extensive experience in alternative education through nearly a
decade of teaching and leadership at The Learning Center, where she helped lead initiatives
focused on student re-engagement, truancy prevention, postsecondary readiness, restorative practices, and project-based learning.
During her tenure, The Learning Center earned recognition multiple times as a Kentucky Department of Education Alternative Program of Distinction.
“Phoenix Academy is deeply personal to me,” Grimes shared. “It is where my understanding of alternative education first took root and helped shape the direction of my career. I believe every student deserves to feel known, supported, empowered, and capable of success.”
Grimes’ connection to Clark County extends beyond her professional work. She is married to a former Clark County Director of Technology, and they have a son entering his sophomore year at GRC and a daughter who graduated with the Class of 2026.
Grimes holds a Principal Certification from Asbury University, an Education Specialist Degree in Supervisor of Instruction from the University of the Cumberlands, and graduate degrees from Marshall University in Teaching and School Library Media.
As Principal of Phoenix Academy, Grimes is excited to return to the community she proudly calls home.
"I look forward to partnering with students, staff, families, and the broader community to continue to Grow Greatness by building a culture rooted in belonging, empowerment,
accountability, and hope," Grimes said, "My goal is for students to discover their strengths, redefine what is possible, and develop the skills, confidence, and character reflected in Clark County’s Portrait of a Learner, preparing them to lead lives of purpose, impact, and success. Go Cards!"
