Somerset Academy West Florida

Welcome to Somerset Academy West Florida!

My name is Shannie Sadesky, and I am honored to serve as the founding Principal of Somerset Academy West Florida. As we prepare to open our doors in Pensacola, I am eager to welcome our first students, families, staff, and community partners into what will become a very special school community.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I attended college in Washington, D.C., before moving to South Florida to continue my education and begin my career as an educator. My journey with Somerset began nearly 30 years ago when I became the first teacher hired at the original Somerset Academy in Miramar, Florida. At the time, we served just 50 students in grades K–5 out of two portable classrooms. From those early beginnings, Somerset has grown into a nationally recognized network serving more than 42,000 students across Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. I am proud to have been part of that growth. Somerset will celebrate its 30th year this fall, and it is especially meaningful for me to be part of opening a new Somerset school in Pensacola and continuing this next chapter of its story.

Throughout my career, I have worked with students from Pre-K through 12th grade, helped launch numerous successful charter schools, and served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including 17 years as a principal. At the heart of my work is a commitment to ensuring every child is known, valued, challenged, and supported. I strive to create school environments where learning is meaningful, engaging, and fun so students are excited to learn each day.

At Somerset Academy West Florida, students will be part of a school community built on strong relationships, high expectations, and innovative teaching rooted in Somerset’s “one-room schoolhouse” philosophy of personalized learning that supports each student in reaching their full potential. I look forward to working with students, families, staff, and community partners to build this environment in Pensacola in the coming school year.

One of the aspects of Somerset Academy West Florida I am most excited about is our partnership with the University of West Florida’s School of Education, where students will learn alongside experienced educators and future teachers preparing to enter the profession. This collaboration creates a dynamic learning environment that supports student success while helping prepare the next generation of educators.

As we begin this exciting journey together, I invite you to become active partners in building a school culture centered on excellence, opportunity, and student success. Together, we will create extraordinary experiences for our students and build a lasting legacy.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. I look forward to meeting each of you and creating an exceptional inaugural year together.

Warmly,
Shannie Sadesky
Founding Principal
Somerset Academy West Florida