Leadership

Brenda Crenshaw, Head of School

Brenda Crenshaw is the founder of The Crenshaw Academy. She developed innovative techniques and an out-of-the-box approach to teaching while working as a private instructor to Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass. During this time, she also privately tutored students from Lake Highland, TFA, and other top private and public schools.

Through these experiences, she was exposed to curriculums from all over the United States. From this exposure and experience, she developed her own program. In 1999, she created The Crenshaw School, which began with five students but was so strong that it quickly grew to 25. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) took note of their exceptional program and accredited us through their
international division, CITA.

TCS began in two side rooms of a gym in order to work with elite gymnasts. Brenda’s focus has always been on the children, and what is necessary and best for them. The school later moved into a small church in Orlando.

Within three years, The Crenshaw School had reached the building limit of 100 people. They moved on to the
Windermere Community Church property, using portable classrooms. The school quickly expanded to 180 students, then 250 students and 30 staff members.

Over the years, the walls changed and grew to accommodate many students – but the essence of The Crenshaw School always remained the same: they continued to offer students a distinctive learning environment through an established program of
educational innovation.

Their graduates were accepted to universities worldwide, including medical schools, and several have already received their Masters. Many of the students were able to jump-start their careers in the film and entertainment industry as professionals, as well as becoming a pro athlete due to our designer program.

During COVID in 2020, Ms. Brenda gave up her majority ownership of The Crenshaw School; however, because of her heartfelt love for children, she almost immediately opened Crenshaw Academy. This school is just as amazing as TCS, if not even more so! Crenshaw Academy has all the philosophies that TCS once had.

Brenda continues to reach students where they are instead of trying to put a round peg into a square hole. With the new school, we recognize that we are preparing students for the 21st century, in which the only constant is change. To that end, our academic program requires students to go beyond mastering basic traditional skills and become fully prepared for
the challenges ahead. We require students to reflect critically, develop transferable skills, and, above all, 
think, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate. In short, our educational process prepares students to thrive in college and in life within our global community.

Brenda set in motion a school that prides itself on a cohesive sense of community, a pervasive friendliness, a commitment to sensitivity and awareness, and academic excellence. Never through teaching to a test; but through connection, inspiration, awe, and interaction, inspiring our students to relate in the world actively. Read “Average Student to CEO” by Brenda Crenshaw.

“In a classroom, no matter the make-up of students, it’s a daunting task to reach all levels and learning styles. Focus on students to identify their own learning style. This knowledge will help academically, but more importantly, it becomes an asset throughout all aspects of their life and career.” – Brenda Crenshaw

Tanya Williams, Principal

Tanya Williams graduated cum laude from The College of New Rochelle with a double major in Chemistry and Math. She then moved on to Boise State University to receive her Master’s degree in Educational Technology. She graduated the program with a 4.0.

Tanya started at The Crenshaw School in 2004 as a teacher, became vice principal in 2011 and principal in 2012. Tanya moved with Brenda Crenshaw when she created Crenshaw Academy. Since then, she has effectively run the school according to the philosophies of Brenda Crenshaw, founder. She is also experienced in curriculum, college counseling, transcripts, report cards, accreditations, education technology, and more. Tanya believes so much in the program that she has put her own daughters through it!