Administration
Courtney Wheeler, Principal
Mrs. Wheeler is a native Virginian who was raised in a family of public-school educators in Washington County. The value of receiving an education and the importance of listening, communicating and understanding the feelings of others were instilled in her from a very young age.
Mrs. Wheeler received her B.A. degree from the University of Virginia-Wise in 2007. While attending, she played collegiate volleyball for two years and four years on a regional championship and national qualifying softball team. She completed the qualifications for teacher licensure and embarked on her career to make a difference in students’ educational, emotional and social well-being.
Mrs. Wheeler began her teaching career as a 6th grade math teacher at Chancellor Middle School in Spotsylvania Public Schools. Upon completing her 8th year, she was employed by Fredericksburg City Schools and taught 6th and 7th grade math at Walker-Grant Middle School. During this time, she completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Mrs. Wheeler began her responsibilities and career as an administrator with an appointment of assistant principal at Lafayette Elementary School in 2017. In 2018 she was appointed assistant principal at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. During this time, she gained valuable experience, knowledge and understanding of the educational process for K-5 student learners. In 2019, she was appointed the principal of Lafayette Elementary School.
Mrs. Wheeler’s educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of educators to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, and an encouraging community and a supportive family.
