Meet our team

Derrick Lockett Sr. joined ACCEL Schools in 2021 as principal of Northwest School of the Arts. He brings strong leadership experience in PK-12 education with seven years spent as an administrator for Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Before pursuing a career in education, Mr. Lockett served as a social worker for Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services. He received his BS in Psychology and M. Ed. from Cleveland State University. Mr. Lockett is passionate about working with teachers, parents, students, and the wider community to provide children with the very best educational opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

Ashley Miles served as Principal of Akron Preparatory School in 2019 - 2024 with over 15 years of experience working as an educator and school administrator. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools in 2017 as Dean of Students at Canton College Preparatory School, Ms. Miles worked for ICAN Schools in Northeast Ohio and at the Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy. A strong believer in education, Ms. Miles has earned multiple graduate degrees. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Miami University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s degree in Education emphasizing Curriculum and Instruction from Ashford University in San Diego. At the core of Ms. Miles’ award-winning school leadership work is building school culture, working tirelessly from her personal mantra “I can do all things through Christ” and other inspirations such as Michelle Obama, “When they go low, you go high”.