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The Academy at Double H Ranch is a non-profit, Christian K-12, private school focused on serving low-income and at-risk children, located near Jasper Georgia. The Academy provides independent studies in a classroom setting utilizing the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum. The Academy has certified teachers, tutors, and an equine therapist.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to help low income, at-risk students in Pickens County and surrounding areas prepare for life by providing a safe, loving, Christ-centered learning environment in which each student is treated with respect, and is inspired to reach his/her full academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual potential.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Board is comprised of business professionals who establish strategic initiatives for The Academy to ensure its successful and continued spiritual and financial growth, achievement of excellence in education for our students, and oversight of overall facility and operations.
Billy Edmonson, CEO
Rev. Edmondson has served as the senior pastor of Sutallee Baptist Church in White, Georgia since 1991. A former United States Marine, Rev. Edmondson attended Reinhardt College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He presently serves as the representative for the Etowah Association on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
Bob Skelton, Chairman of the Board & CFO
Bob Skelton was raised in Sandy Springs, GA and attended Clemson University on an athletic scholarship while earning a BS degree in Engineering Analysis, and later attended The University of Georgia where he received his MBA. Bob spent the last 30 years of his working career with Emerson Process Management, where he crafted and marketed process optimization solutions to the Chemical and Pulp & Paper industries. In Bob’s five years of retirement, he has enjoyed international travel, while staying involved at his church and volunteering weekly at a local hospital. Bob recently moved to Milton, GA and lives with his wife, Denise, who is employed by Gallagher Bassett as a Claims Executive.
Cathy Bagdonis, Secretary & Academic Advisor
Cathy Bagdonis' experience spans 17 years in education during which she taught high school Science and middle school Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. She also served with leadership as content team lead. Prior to teaching, Cathy enjoyed a 22 year career in corporate banking as a Senior Vice President with Bank of America where she worked in treasury management, internal audit, commercial lending, and loan restructuring for syndicated corporate loans.
Cathy earned her degrees in Economics and Psychology at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA. She recently retired from Forsyth County Schools and currently resides in Waleska, GA with her husband Tony, a retired DoD defense contractor. When not volunteering at The Academy or her local church, Cathy can be found reading, gardening, hiking, or kayaking.
Lorayne Jones, Community Relations
Lorayne was raised in Morrow, Ga. She attended Georgia State University where she earned a B.A. in Psychology and later a Master’s of Education in school counseling. Lorayne has nearly 20 years experience in education and was previously the Principal/Education Director at The Academy at Double H Ranch. She currently resides in Florida but her heart belongs in Georgia with the kids at the ranch. Lorayne is thrilled to be able to continue her support of our students.
Rebecca Hampton, Founder of Academy