ACE Head of School Lara Relyea retires, Laura Perkins returns as interim leader

The Academy for Classical Education Governing Board says it accepted Lara Relyea's retirement and named co-founder Laura Perkins interim head of school.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Governing Board of the Academy for Classical Education (ACE) has accepted the retirement request of Head of School Lara Relyea, according to a letter emailed to parents and stakeholders Monday.

Relyea took over the leadership role in July 2024 after co-founder Laura Perkins retired. She has been with ACE for more than 11 years, previously serving as director of compliance. Before joining the school, she worked in Bibb County Schools for more than a decade, according to her public LinkedIn page.

In a video posted on ACE’s website in 2024, Relyea said she was “so excited to embark on this school year with all of you: our scholars, families and staff.” “I truly believe that these small actions we take each day, whether it’s showing kindness, staying curious or giving our best effort are what lead to great successes over time,” she added.

The Governing Board thanked Relyea for “her years of service to ACE” and said Perkins will return to serve as interim head of school. Perkins co-founded ACE with Esterine Stokes, who continues as the school’s chief academic officer, according to acemacon.org.

The board said it will begin a national search for a permanent head of school trained in classical education.

ACE is a K-12 public charter school in Macon. It opened in August 2014 at 5665 New Forsyth Road.