School Leadership

Clarissa Barnett is High Point Academy’s Elementary School Assistant Principal. 2020 marks her first year at High Point Academy. Previously, she has served as K-12 MTSS Coordinator, K-5 Instructional Coach, K-3 Interventionist and First/Second Grade Looping Teacher. Clarissa earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She also earned a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. Clarissa is Reading Specialist certified and has been Reading Recovery trained. She has also completed an Instructional Coaching Credential Program in Madison, Wisconsin. Clarissa has attended both a Reading and a Writing Institute in New York at Columbia University, Teachers College. In her free time, Clarissa enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She also has an aussiepoo, Tucker.

Kyle Forsyth is High Point Academy’s Dean of Students and Culture. Kyle joined the leadership team in the summer of 2020. Prior to working at High Point Academy, Kyle was a founding teacher of Compass Academy in Denver Public Schools where he taught 6th and 8th grade science for five years. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he began his educational career right after college as a City Year AmeriCorps member with Boston Public schools. He served for two years in a 7th grade English Language Arts Classroom before moving on to teaching 5th grade. Kyle then moved to Denver, CO, in 2015 to help open up Compass Academy in Southwest Denver. Mr. Forsyth earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from West Chester University. In 2019, he went on to complete his master’s degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania: Graduate School of Education where he also received his Public School Principal Certification for grades K-12. In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors; snowboarding, hiking, climbing and mountain biking being some of his favorite hobbies.

Langston Jacobs is High Point Academy's 5th-8th Grade Dean of Students. He has served as a High School Dean of Students, Middle School ELA instructor, Middle School Special Education Center Program teacher, Building Guest Teacher and Special Education Paraprofessional. Langston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University (Ohio) and a Master of Arts from Liberty University (Virginia). Langston is a Certified Specialist in Restorative Justice and trainer. Other community work includes, former Program Director at Boys & Girls Club, substance abuse counselor, including years of non-profit work. Langston has a passion for justice and equity. He is an “outside the box” educator who loves R&B music and Soul Train dancing. Langston is also a poet and public speaker. His family includes a wonderful wife and three awesome boys.

Jessica Newsome joined the High Point Academy (HPA) family as the Middle School Assistant Principal for the 2021-2022 school year. She is now in her newly elevated position as the Director of Learning Support Systems. Prior to joining the HPA family, she had experience as an Administrative Teacher on Special Assignment, Special Education Department Coordinator, Interventionist, Special Education Affective Needs Teacher, and Early Childhood Educator. Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Langston University and her Master of Education degree in Special Education: Cross Categorical from Grand Canyon University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry at Grand Canyon University. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Jessica had the opportunity to attend the University of Denver’s Organizational Leadership and Policy Studies program which allowed her to attain her principal license after its completion. While her educational endeavors are special to her, nothing can top her greatest accomplishment to date: becoming a licensed and ordained preacher. Outside of participating in ministry activities, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, singing, collecting t-shirts, and being able to easily sport sneakers and stilettos.