Building Southwest Academy
Issue No. 1: Building the Team
Cathy Moore, M.Ed.
"Every child deserves to be treated with dignity."
When the Southwest Academy Board began searching for its founding Head of School, we weren't simply looking for an experienced administrator.
We were looking for someone who shared the heart behind the vision.
Someone who believes children should be known, encouraged, challenged, and loved.
Someone who understands that great schools are built one relationship at a time.
We found that person in Cathy Moore.
A lifelong educator and instructional leader, Cathy has spent her career helping students, supporting teachers, and building positive school cultures. She is also a proud mom of three daughters and "Nana" to eight grandchildren, who keep her busy catching frogs by the creek, reading bedtime stories, and making memories together.
Outside of school, you'll often find Cathy walking with her dogs, volunteering in her community, traveling, or planning her next adventure. Last year she checked a lifelong dream off her list when she visited Italy, describing it as even more beautiful and historic than she had imagined.
But what excites Cathy most isn't a vacation.
It's building a school from the ground up.
"I want to help create a place where I would love to work as a teacher and where I would be proud to see my own grandchildren learn and grow."
She believes thoughtful planning today creates joyful experiences for students tomorrow.
Her goal is to build a school where systems support people—not the other way around—and where teachers enjoy coming to work, families feel connected, and every child knows they belong.
When asked what she hopes students experience as they walk through Southwest Academy's doors on the first day of school, her answer was immediate.
"I want every student to feel welcome, joyful, and appreciated. We will create a family environment where respect and dignity are the norm so that students are excited to come to school each day, knowing we can't wait to see their beautiful faces."
That vision extends beyond academics.
Cathy believes schools should partner closely with parents, helping children grow not only intellectually but socially and emotionally as well.
"We will value every child," she says. "We'll support their academic needs while also helping them navigate life's challenges. Families won't simply enroll their children here—they'll become partners with us."
The philosophy she brings to Southwest Academy was shaped early in her own life.
She remembers an elementary teacher who greeted students each morning with a smile before sitting at the piano and leading the class in patriotic songs.
"She saw me," Cathy recalls.
Years later, one of her principals taught her another lesson—that teachers do their very best work when they know they're supported.
Those experiences continue to shape the leader she is today.
"I've always wanted my teachers to know how much I appreciate them."
When asked what every child deserves from a school, Cathy doesn't hesitate.
"Every child deserves to be treated with dignity. Their basic needs must be met before we can expect them to learn. They also deserve a well-rounded education with high expectations."
Looking ahead ten years, Cathy hopes Southwest Academy won't simply be known for academic excellence.
She hopes people will remember something even deeper.
"I want students to say they belonged here. I hope they leave with joyful memories, knowing Southwest Academy prepared them to pursue whatever dreams God has placed before them."
As Southwest Academy continues preparing for its opening in August 2027, Cathy says she's looking forward to one simple thing.
Checking off every box.
One completed task at a time.
One decision at a time.
One student at a time.
One school built with purpose.
Just for Fun
Favorite Children's Book: The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Favorite Oklahoma Destination: Grand Lake
Coffee or Tea? Tea (coffee only when absolutely necessary!)
Morning or Night? Definitely a morning person.
Favorite Saturday: Sleeping in and staying in pajamas until lunchtime.
Favorite Vacation: Destin, Florida—especially kayaking in the ocean.
Favorite Quote:
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -- Benjamin Franklin
A Message from Cathy
"To our families, supporters, and community members—thank you.
I cannot express how grateful I am for your encouragement, your prayers, and your hard work as we build Southwest Academy together. It is an incredible honor to serve as your founding Head of School, and I accept that responsibility with both humility and determination.
I promise to do everything within my power to support our students, our teachers, and our families as we build a school where children are known, valued, and prepared to pursue whatever future God has in store for them.
Thank you for believing in this vision. I can't wait to welcome our first students."
Why Southwest Academy?
Every Child Deserves to Be Known.
Ask people what makes a great school, and you'll hear many answers.
Excellent teachers.
Strong academics.
Safe classrooms.
Meaningful relationships.
We agree with all of those.
One of the ways we're putting those beliefs into practice is by planning for approximately 20 students per classroom.
Why?
Because children learn best when they are known.
When teachers have the time to notice the small victories.
When they recognize a student's strengths before the student sees them.
When families are partners instead of strangers.
Small class sizes aren't the goal.
They're one way we create the relationships that allow children to flourish.
That's the kind of school we're building.
Dr. Phil Greenwald, President, Mid-America Christian University
One of the most encouraging parts of this journey has been watching respected educators and community leaders rally around the vision for Southwest Academy.
Among them is Dr. Phil Greenwald, President of Mid-America Christian University, who wrote a letter supporting our charter application.
Founded in 1953 and located in southwest Oklahoma City, Mid-America Christian University (MACU) has grown into a respected Christian university serving traditional, adult, graduate, and online students. Under Dr. Greenwald's leadership, the university has experienced significant momentum, including its highest enrollment in more than a decade and the launch of new academic programs such as the School of Nursing and the School of Engineering, Physics, and Math, reflecting its commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of service.
In his letter, he recognized Southwest Academy's commitment to integrating STEAM into a knowledge-rich, thematically connected curriculum while developing strong foundational skills, character, and critical thinking.
He also shared why schools like Southwest Academy matter.
"I believe that SWACS has the potential to become a model for effective education."
Dr. Greenwald went on to write that our communities need more students who are prepared not only to succeed in higher education, but also to serve in schools, businesses, churches, healthcare, and positions of leadership.
We are deeply grateful for Dr. Greenwald's encouragement and for the many community leaders who have invested their confidence in this vision.