During the July 8, 2024, meeting of the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees, trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Xavier Lewis as the new principal of Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy. Lewis most recently served as the principal of Collegiate Prep Elementary School in Cedar Hill Independent School District.
“Dr. Lewis has a track record of success in innovative advanced academic and STEM-focused learning and educational leadership that has resulted in the advancement of scholarly achievement and growth in the various capacities of his work in education,” said DeSoto ISD Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud. “We are so excited to have him assume leadership of Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy as the district strives to create a creative and rigorous environment for brilliant minds.”
Dr. Lewis brings a diverse range of experience to his role in the leadership of Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy with a strong background in STEM education. Dr. Lewis most recently served as a principal in Cedar Hill Independent School District where he led the improvement of his campus’ accountability rating to an A under the Texas Education Agency’s school accountability rating system and increased student and staff retention. Before his work in CHISD, Lewis served as an assistant principal. He was instrumental in decreasing campus disciplinary referrals by implementing a student behavioral support system encouraging increased collaboration of parents and guardians and staff to support scholars more deeply.
Before advancing to administrative roles, Lewis served as an education counselor at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, supporting student learning experiences and exposure to curriculum and careers in space and science while supporting student scholarship and internship attainment.
Lewis began his career in education as a fifth-grade math and science teacher before becoming a math curriculum and instructional specialist.
During his career and as a demonstration of his excellence in education, Lewis was named STEM Educator of the Year by the University of Houston (2017); Campus Teacher of the Year (2018); District Teacher of the Year (2018); and Region IV Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist (2019).
Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies from Prairie View A&M University; a Master of Education degree in educational administration from Concordia University; and a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership from Northcentral University.
About Ruby Young TAG Academy
Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy will offer classes led by TAG-certified educators. on a RYTAG is on a mission to develop all students to become active lifelong learners and productive citizens in a global society.
Academically gifted learners will be challenged and stretched to reach their full scholastic potential. At the newly reimagined TAG campus, scholars will experience accelerated learning opportunities for kindergarten through 8th-grade scholars who want to learn agricultural and environmental science, drone flight, and more.
As a kindergarten through 8th-grade campus, we provide consistent learning opportunities for selected scholars in one central location. Our campus is committed to facilitating growth academically, socially, emotionally, and artistically in all of its students. Ruby Young is a community that has developed partnerships with colleges and universities. Young scholars benefit from real-world experiences through project-based learning that includes a drone academy and an outdoor learning garden.
Those interested may apply for a seat at the newly-opened
Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy here.
For information about DeSoto ISD’s Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy, other choice programs offered in the district, back-to-school information, and enrollment, visit www.DeSotoISD.org or call 972.223.6666.