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Our Team

At Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, our team plays an essential role in helping students grow as scholars, artists, leaders, and young people preparing for the future.

FP Carson Academy is guided by educators, administrators, arts professionals, and staff members who believe students deserve strong academics, meaningful arts education, and a school community where they are known, supported, and challenged to keep growing.

A Welcome from Our Head of School

Dear Families, Students, and Community Members,

Welcome to our school website! As principal, it is my absolute privilege to lead a learning community where high expectations and unconditional support go hand in hand.

Our school is proudly built upon the rich legacy of Mobile’s own Floretta P. Carson, a beloved educator and iconic band director whose dedication to discipline, passion, and artistic mastery inspired generations. Mrs. Carson demonstrated that when you hold young people to the highest standards, they do not just meet them, they achieve true excellence. We carry that same commitment into our classrooms every single day.

To honor her impact, our school culture is anchored by six core values (CREATE):

  • Community: Nurturing strong, supportive connections inside and outside our walls.

  • Resilience: Teaching scholars to rise above challenges with courage and resolve.

  • Empowerment: Giving students the voice and agency to shape their own futures.

  • Artistry: Cultivating creativity, expression, and craftsmanship in all disciplines.

  • Teamwork: Learning that our greatest achievements happen together.

  • Excellence: Striving for our personal and academic best in everything we do.

Through this foundation, our promise is to graduate well-rounded scholars prepared for a dynamic world: true showmen who command the stage and room with confidence, community-minded citizens, lifelong learners, and critical thinkers ready to solve complex problems.

Thank you for partnering with us as we build on a historic legacy and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

Warmly,

Kristi July
Head of School / Principal
FP Carson Academy

Kristi July - Head of School

Mrs. Kristi July
Head of School/Principal

Administrative Team

Our administrative team (A-Team) helps guide the daily work of the school, supporting students, families, faculty, staff, academics, arts programming, operations, and school culture. Each member of the team contributes to the shared work of creating a learning environment where students can grow with confidence, creativity, and purpose.

Photo of Jeb Blackerby

Mr. Jeb Blackerby
Assistant Principal

Photo of AP Stephanie Smith

Mrs. Stephanie Smith
Assistant Principal

Photo of Girard Archard

Mr. Gerald Archard
Dean of Arts