Imagine. create. innovate.

My name is Danielle Yount, and I am honored to serve as the founding Executive Director of MacArthur Park Charter School. I am excited to join the Sonoma Valley community and help build a school that centers student growth, innovation, creativity, and strong partnerships with families and the broader community. I bring more than 21 years of experience in public education and have dedicated my career to creating supportive and engaging learning environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

 

My journey in education began in 2004 after earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Sonoma State University, where I also completed my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Administrative Credential. During my time at Sonoma State, I participated in the AmeriCorps program, spending two years tutoring elementary students and serving as a lead teacher in an after-school program. It was through those experiences that I discovered my passion for education and supporting young people in their growth and development. 

 

Originally from Humboldt County, I moved to Sonoma County to attend college and quickly developed strong connections to the region and its schools. I spent the first 10 years of my career as a classroom teacher, teaching 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th grade. Those years gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of building meaningful relationships with students and families while creating classrooms that inspire curiosity, confidence, and academic achievement. 

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I later transitioned into school leadership and spent the past 11 years serving as both a middle school and high school principal. One of the most meaningful experiences of my career was serving as a founding staff member at Roseland Collegiate Prep, where I first worked as a middle school teacher before later becoming principal. In that role, I helped expand the school and founded the high school program within the 7–12 charter school model. Together with an incredible team, we built systems and programs designed to support students as they prepared for college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

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My experiences as both a founding teacher and founding administrator have given me a deep understanding of what it takes to build a strong school culture, develop innovative educational programs, and support students, staff, and families through the growth of a school community. 

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I am thrilled to bring that experience to MacArthur Park Charter School and look forward to working closely with our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, families, and community partners to help bring the school’s vision to life. I strongly believe in collaborative leadership, meaningful family engagement, and creating learning environments where students are encouraged to explore, think critically, and develop the skills needed for success in school and beyond. 

I also believe that when schools work in partnership with families and the broader community, students flourish, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. 

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I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and families of MacArthur Park Charter School, and I look forward to building this exciting new school community together.