One of the first charter schools to open in West Virginia, Eastern Panhandle Prep belongs to a network of over 50 high-performing charter schools located throughout the United States operated by ACCEL Schools. We have a strong track record of establishing thriving educational communities where students benefit from world-class educational opportunities. We invite you to join us!
What is a charter school?
All charter schools are tuition-free public schools—open to all students, regardless of their zip code. The charter school model empowers teachers to provide innovative, high-quality instruction and gives them the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students’ needs. Charter schools are led by dynamic principals who have the flexibility to create a school culture that fosters student performance and parent satisfaction. Charter schools are held accountable to the performance standards they agree to in their charter and by their communities.
Melvin Womble, Principal
Melvin Womble comes to Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy with extensive coaching, teaching, and educational leadership experience. He attended Fairmont State University on an athletic scholarship where he played basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree. He holds two master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Higher Education Administration from Salem International University. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools, Womble served as Assistant Principal at Fairmont Senior High in Fairmont, West Virginia. Previously, he held Dean of Students, teaching, and head coaching positions in public and parochial schools throughout West Virginia. A servant leader, Principal Womble is excited about the future of EPPA. He looks forward to working with teachers, staff, students, and families to build a program that supports students’ social, emotional, and academic growth and encourages them to discover their unique strengths and talents.
Sharon Williams, Regional Vice President
Regional Vice President Sharon Williams joins ACCEL Schools with over 30 years of experience in P-12 education and a strong record of supporting families, students, and teachers to achieve outstanding academic outcomes. She earned a BA from the College of Willam and Mary and served as an early childhood teacher in the Houston Independent School District for eight years before earning her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She joined K12, Stride Inc. in 2004 where she held a number of pivotal administrative and leadership roles over the course of her 17-year tenure including Head of School, Director of Curriculum, and Vice President of New Schools and Programs. Ms. Williams is a servant leader who works with all members of the school community to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and reflection. She is committed to building schools where all students are valued, supported, and equipped for success.
Staff Directory
Results
Eastern Panhandle Prep integrates research-based best practices in education with community partnerships for labs, service opportunities, and skill development – a true village approach to educating our youth. As a result of our proven methods, students will experience 1.25 years of growth on average in core subjects.
