Principals

Dear Charter Oak International Academy Families,

I am grateful to serve as the principal of Charter Oak International Academy, the very place where my teaching journey began over twenty years ago. At Charter Oak, our collective efforts are focused on nurturing open-minded, compassionate, and engaged global learners who will actively contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world. We will accomplish this by:

• Developing global awareness and cultural competence through partnerships with families and the community.
• Fostering positive self-concepts and cultivating peaceful relationships with others.
• Cultivating curiosity and fostering an inquiry mindset.

Our commitment to consistent and transparent communication is of utmost importance. We wholeheartedly welcome and encourage your questions, ideas, and concerns as valuable contributions to our growing partnership. As a school community, we also invite you to volunteer and participate in a wide range of events, committees, classroom activities, and field trips held throughout the year. These opportunities allow our families to witness the remarkable achievements of our children and staff.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude for entrusting us with your child's education. It is a responsibility we hold dear and will continue to fulfill with utmost dedication.

In Community,

Georgina Rivera 
Principal

Dear Charter Oak International Academy Families/ Caregivers,

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of Charter Oak and thrilled to join this vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community.

My passion for education is driven by the belief that every child deserves a nurturing and dynamic learning experience. As an educator within West Hartford Public Schools spanning 23 years, I have had the privilege of working towards this belief throughout the district, including 3rd grade teacher, elementary building-based Curriculum Specialist, District Elementary Math and Science Specialist, and interim elementary principal. In every role, I have been dedicated to fostering an environment where students feel supported, engaged, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. 

As your Assistant Principal, my primary goal is to work collaboratively with our talented staff, supportive families, and amazing students to create a caring, safe, and engaging school environment. I am committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed academically and personally.

In the coming weeks and throughout the school year, I look forward to meeting each of you and learning what makes Charter Oak a very special community. I am especially eager to listen to your ideas, answer your questions, and work together to support our students in their educational journey. 

I am very excited about our future partnership and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. 

Warmest regards, 

Mary Lestini  
Assistant Principal  
Charter Oak International Academy