Administration

Professor Claire Thornton-Poke has many years of experience in education. She is a former "exemplary" teacher of ACECC School and served as a lead teacher during the greater portion of her tenure with ACECC.

Ms. Thorton-Poke is familiar with the principles of Ma’at and is knowledgeable of the Nguzo Saba as well as other components associated with African-Centered Education. She is an experienced administrator, having previously worked for seven years as Project Director for a federally funded program in the KCPS.

For more than 12 years, Ms. Thorton-Poke worked on the corporate level in an administrative capacity as the Midwest Regional Manager of Educational Consultants for a Fortune 500 educational software company. Most recently, she stepped in as elementary principal at Derrick Thomas Academy Charter School after its sponsor (UMKC) dismantled the DTA Board and administrative staff in November 2012. She continued in this role until the school closed.

Ms. Thorton-Poke brings over 18 years of expertise in an administrative capacity and 14 years as a teacher. Her goal is for ACCPA to fulfill the District’s mission, which is for students to "Achieve in a way that is unencumbered by excuses, ensuring that all children benefit from teaching and learning." 

As AC Prep’s principal, she has set an expectation of excellence for our teachers and our scholars. She is looking forward to working with you to ensure our scholars have a meaningful and successful school year in a safe and positive environment

Assistant Principal - Stacey Ragsdale-Moore