Executive Principal 6-12

Hollie Smith serves as the Executive Principal of The Academy @ Shawnee. Originally from Ashland, KY, Principal Smith graduated from Paul G. Blazer High School in 2000. She then attended the University of Louisville, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Communications in 2005. 

Following this, she earned her Master's in Teaching and principal certification from Christian Brothers University. 2008, Ms. Smith began teaching at Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, TN. Subsequently, she relocated to Shelby County Schools (Memphis), where she taught Math and Social Studies at Ridgeway International Baccalaureate Middle School and assumed diverse leadership roles. 

Ms. Smith returned to Louisville in 2015 to work for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) as a Title 1 Component Specialist, concentrating on parent involvement across the district. In 2017, she took on the role of associate principal at George Unseld Early Childhood Center, advocating for the needs of the city's youngest learners. In January 2019, she transitioned to Western Middle School for the Arts as the Assistant Principal and later assumed the principal role. Finally, she became the Executive Administrator of JCPS Middle Schools, supporting and guiding school principals throughout the district.

Principal Smith is deeply dedicated to providing students with access, exposure, and opportunities, firmly believing these factors empower students to surpass expectations. She is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to optimize student outcomes, fostering an environment where all students excel. Principal Smith resides in Louisville and is the proud mother of two children, Koryn and Tierney.