Fairmount / Pre-K to 5

Tracye Burroughs

Fairmount Principal

Dionne Delaney

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 education 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 eighteen years of marriage. They have two adult children and rambunctious twin toddler grandsons. In her free time, Dionne enjoys traveling, baking, cooking, fellowship with friends, sewing and making jewelry.

John Delaney

“This is my first year at The City School. I truly have been drawn to this school, for many of reasons. However I must say the biggest draw is the heart of leadership here which is founded and built on Jesus Christ.

My mission while I’m here is simply to steward and shepard the hearts of our students. For I truly believe they are precious and the most valuable resource we have.

John is a native of Wilmington Delaware and now reside in Newark. He loves tribal African jewelry, cooking, reading, and Pinterest! He is the proud father of four year old old twin boys, whom  “admires and loves deeply.”

John is currently pursuing a  B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies at Liberty University.

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.”

Karen Gregory

Art and S.T.E.A.M. Teacher

“I prepare little minds for the adventure of embracing their Creator God through the arts. I am passionate about participating in a learning community that glorifies God across all academic disciplines. As a City School parent and teacher, I have a front row seat in observing the love and dedication that each teacher invests in the children entrusted to them.”

Karen and her family live in Passyunk Square, where they moved as part of a local church plant. She brings with her 30-plus years of experience in the teaching fields of technology, art, and early elementary. While Karen satisfies the requirements of the art room by educating students in the Elements and Principles of art, she takes her program to the next level by adding STEM for interesting subjects to engage her students.

Margaret Kendall

Business Manager

“As the Business Manager I am responsible for leading and coordinating the school’s finance, business, and general operating matters. I have been at The City School for almost 2 years now, and have loved getting to know and working with all of my talented colleagues. Watching them serve and care for each individual student has given me a deep appreciation for the school and its vision for our students and our city.”

Margaret lives in West Philadelphia with her husband and loves the diversity and community they have experienced in their neighborhood. She enjoys running long distances, reading books from the local library, and cooking for her friends and family.

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.

Alexis Victor

Second Grade Teacher

“I am passionate about my work at The City School because I love seeing the unique and beautiful qualities God has instilled in every child. I’m also passionate about encouraging my students to love others and love God. The way that we show love and encouragement to our students prepares them to act in love to the people in our city.”

Alexis lives in Port Richmond with three college friends. She enjoys baking, crafting, traveling, and exploring Philadelphia.

Davida Woodard

Pre-Kindergarten Co-Teacher

“I am passionate about my work at The City School because I was a City School Alumni.

I am passionate, because I was able to experience an excellent education. Not to mention, I am a strong believer in their mission. The City School not only promotes excellence in education, but they also make it their business to feed students spiritually. It is a great joy to give back to a school that I once was apart of and that allowed me to have a bright future as well.

I want prospective parents to know that the teachers here are all working towards one goal, and that is to help each student grow spiritually and academically.”

Davida and her husband live in Southwest Philadelphia. Her favorite book is Plato’s Republic. She enjoys writing poetry, blogging about justice issues, and skiing.

Veronica Rodriguez

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

“I decided to become a teacher because I believe that it’s the most beautiful and wonderful job. Being a teacher means being there, giving everything I can, making sure I am as knowledgeable as I can be about my content and about my students’ lives. It means sacrifice for the sake of helping kids in need and it means caring about students unconditionally.”

Veronica was born in Puerto Rico and now resides in Drexel Hill with her husband Kevin Alicea. She enjoys dancing, watching movies, and eating lots of chocolate.

Alison Santiano

Kindergarten Co-Teacher

“I am so excited to start my teaching career at The City School, where I believe my passion and my commitment to Jesus truly meets the call that the He has set before me. One of my favorite parts about my job is that my students constantly remind me of Matthew 18:1-4, which calls us to have childlike faith and humbly depend on the Lord.”

Allison lives in Glenside and enjoys many favorite pastimes including singing, playing the guitar, painting, sewing, playing board games, exploring the city, meal prepping, and trying out new restaurants.

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Joyce Crosscombe

First Grade Co-Teacher

“I am very happy to join The City School family as a teacher after having been a part of the family as a parent.

Our daughter is a recent graduate and we were so pleased with the quality education she received and the caring support of the staff. Now I get to give that same quality of commitment to future generations.”

Joyce lives in the Frankford section of the city with her husband, three daughters and one son.

She enjoys gardening, running and doing puzzles.

Carol Guy

First Grade Teacher

“I am a seasoned teacher with many years of experience in a variety of settings. What I have come to realize is that working in a Christian school is a very special and uniquely rewarding opportunity. As a teacher at The City School, I am not only fulfilling the task to which God has called me, but I am benefitting daily from fellowship with believers who are also called to serve God in this way.”

Carol lives in Abington with three cats and a Cocker Spaniel—Princess, Minnis, Squitchy, and Sophie—although she confides that her “heart belongs to Philly.” She enjoys home improvement projects like painting, gardening, and interior design. Carol’s son Ben carries on the Guy teaching legacy by lending his talents as our high school History teacher.

Bryannia Bongiorni

Third Grade Teacher

Naeemah Davis

Fourth Grade Teacher

“It is an honor to be used for kingdom building within The City School community. My mission is to restore, maintain, and help rebuild hope in the hearts of all the children I teach. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness and encourage our students’ growing relationships with the Lord.”

Naeemah serves as the Children’s Choir Director with her church. She enjoys painting, sewing, line dancing, and cooking. She is also a “proud auntie” who loves outdoor adventures like zip line, polar plunge, and running the PhilAmazing Race.