Meet Our Principal

Dr. Carla Leejay is an accomplished educational leader with 19 years of experience, bringing a diverse background in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and student-centered innovation. 

Throughout her career, she has served in multiple leadership and instructional roles, including Director of STEM Curriculum and Instruction, where she led initiatives focused on rigorous, engaging, and future-ready learning experiences for students and teachers.
In addition to her STEM leadership, Dr. Leejay has supervised Visual and Performing Arts programs, supporting creative excellence and ensuring students have opportunities to thrive both academically and artistically. She also spent many years as a mathematics teacher and math department leader, during which she developed a strong reputation for instructional excellence, teacher support, and increased student achievement in mathematics.

Dr. Leejay’s educational background reflects her commitment to leadership, communication, and lifelong learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, three master’s degrees in Journalism, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Business Administration.  She also holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and passion for empowering students and educators, Dr. Leejay is honored to serve as the new principal of I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA and looks forward to continuing the school’s proud tradition of excellence in academics, STEM, and the visual and performing arts.