Lower School / Fairmount / K to 5

Riley Robertson

3rd Grade Teacher

I’m originally from Michigan and answered God’s call this year to move to Philly for a fresh start. I enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends and family, swimming, and reading. My educational philosophy is that every child has the potential to succeed, and it’s my job to help them see that potential and strive to reach it themselves. The City School has brought me closer to God due to its focus on integrating Him into everything we do. I look forward to seeing what else God has in store for me and my students.

Peyton Jefferson

Art/STEAM Teacher & Aftercare Co-Coordinator

My name is Peyton Jefferson, I am originally from Harlem and I previously taught in NYC.  I have always enjoyed visiting Philly, and moved to Fairmount last year with my husband and 2 daughters who are away at college. I work at both campuses and I have found the City School community to be very welcoming and supportive.

Latrell Alford

PE / Health Teacher

“Hello, growing up I was influenced and impacted by a particular group of men that helped challenge and shape me along my journey. Coaches! They instilled in me many of the principles I continue to live out in my daily life. Upon coming to Christ, I immediately had a desire to work with youth and see them come to a saving knowledge and holistic experience of Jesus.

I have had many different roles through my career in education and God has given me my current assignment as health and P. E. Teacher to teach students about the joy of learning to live move and have their being with our class. In my endeavor to teach the whole child, my desire is to establish boundaries so children can explore and have as much fun in their learning. “

Kelli Reeves-Jennings

Cafeteria

Sechita Elliot

Facilities Manager

My name is Sechita or Sai and I have been here for about 4 years. If I was given an reason why I came to TCS it would have to be because God wanted me here at this exact moment and time. A little about me is I love learning about different cultures, food and music (in all languages). My second love is gardening especially when it comes to urban gardens. Also I am a mother of 3 (23,18, and 16).

Rebekah Williams

Office Manager

“I am truly blessed and thankful to God that he has placed me in such a wonderful place. I have the great privilege of working side by side with such loving and caring people. It is a blessing to know The City School students and their parents. Working here is incredibly satisfying, rich, and rewarding.”

Rebekah grew up in Dallas and Wichita, Texas. She loves creating beautiful weddings and other special events. Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family and looks forward to church service on Sundays.

Meifang Hou

Mandarin Teacher

All my hobbies are indoor. Like watching anime, movie and listening rock music. In the beginning, the school needed a Mandarin teacher, so I came here and lucky thing I am a Christian. I think language is a tool that can help everyone to find the wonderful world.Recently, I am learning skate board, but University city is not a good place, it is full of cars and people.

Deja Mitchell

2nd Grade Teacher

“Initially, in college I was studying psychology but after being an assistant teacher in Pre-k, I found my passion with teaching the littles. After taking a little time off to welcome my first child to the world, I was still very eager to be an educator and blessing to the City School babies. I then became the Lead Pre-k teacher and now currently I teach the 1st and 2nd grade split class. Outside of teaching, I love cooking, baking and pretty much anything else with the help of my little one. I also love doing anything active, self care days and shopping of course. LOL!”

Precious Emmanuel

4th Grade Teacher

Sydney Goneau

3rd Grade Teacher

I enjoy hiking, reading, and exploring new food and coffee places with my husband. I also love playing with my cat. I came to TCS as a long term substitute for the first grade TA position. I immediately knew that I wanted to stay as I loved the culture of the school. This [2024] will be my second year as a third grade teacher.

Kirby Gaddis

1st Grade Teacher

I am so excited to join The City School for my 8th year as a teacher! I love working with the next generation in forms of leading children’s church, youth group, coaching, and more! I enjoy traveling, trying new things, reading, and watching sunsets in my free time. Most importantly, Mom is my favorite title! I love attending my son’s baseball games and cheering on the side! *Numbers 6:24-26*

Adriana Melendez

5th Grade Teacher

Jervonda Malachi-Banton

Kindergarten Teacher

I joined the TCS team because I believe in the mission of the school, and I know I am called to join in fulfilling that mission. I believe students learn best when they have a trusting relationship with the adults teaching them. Before coming on board at TCS I was employed with Delaware County’s Head Start program. I enjoy carpentry, crafting, and sports. I am married with four children and my favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11

Chole Edwards

Academic Support Coordinator

My name is Chloe Edwards and I’ve been an elementary teacher for the past 9 years. I’m a Philly transplant, originally from New York. I have been living in Philly for the past 4 years. My husband and I live in Fairmount. We enjoy fitness and staying active. This [2022] will be my first year with The City School and I’m excited to marry my love and faith in God with my passion for education. This is my first year transitioning to a Christian school from secular charter school. This is also my first year teaching pre school. My previous years of teaching have been kinder-4th grade.

Dionne Delaney

Lead Office Manager

“Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about being at The City School. Here, my passion for ministry and the Kingdom of God, my gifts in administration, my love for children and the development of their minds, shaping of their hearts and lives is brought together in one place. Being here is not by happenstance–it is an assignment from the Lord.”

Dionne and her husband Jay have enjoyed over twenty-seven years of marriage. They have two adult children and ever growing, twin middle school age grandsons. In her free time, Dionne enjoys traveling, baking, cooking, and fellowship with friends.

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Ashley Fornwalt

Academic Support Coordinator

“I am passionate about children and our work at The City School because it is what I believe God has called me to. Seeing the impact I can have on the development of the whole child—spiritually, physically, emotionally, academically—gives me goose bumps.  As I grow, I am always getting a clearer picture of how God views us and invests in our growth and development. I view my job as an extension of God’s love and care for each child.”

Ashley lives with her husband and one-year-old son. She enjoys camping, gardening, and “attempting craft projects.”

Noel Terrell

Music Teacher

“Music is more than notes and harmony–it’s a way of unleashing your emotions. Music moves people. It brings us together. It glorifies God. My dream is to share the power of music with my students.”

Noel has served as a Musical Director and keyboardist for diverse musical acts like Pharrell Williams, Meek Mill, and Jill Scott. He also toured Europe with British hip-hop/r&b duo Floetry and currently performs with his contemporary Christian band, The Browne Boyz. Noel is happily married and has two sons, Roman and Lincoln.