Meet Dr. Raymond Edwards: Looking Ahead to a New School Year at Wesley 

As we prepare to begin a new school year and return to our newly renovated Cook campus, we'd like to reintroduce a familiar leader in the Wesley community: Dr. Raymond Edwards.

For families who may be meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and what drew you to Wesley?

My name is Dr. Raymond Edwards, and this will be my fourth year at Wesley. I'm originally from New York but came to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College and have proudly called it home ever since.

I'm entering my 18th year in education after spending 10 years as a teacher and the past eight years in school leadership. I had long admired Wesley's reputation and was especially drawn to its commitment to student success, charter school innovation, and the International Baccalaureate program. I'm grateful to be part of this community and excited for what lies ahead.
 

This fall marks an exciting return to the renovated Cook campus. What are you most looking forward to?

There is no place like home.

While we appreciated our time at Coan, I'm excited for students and families to return to a building filled with Wesley's history and traditions. I can't wait to see students experience the updated classrooms, improved learning spaces, and the excitement of being back where so many memories have been made. We would also like to thank APS for their continued support during this transition. 

This year's eighth-grade class is especially meaningful because they were my very first fourth-grade class. Watching how they've grown has been incredibly rewarding.
 

Are there renovation improvements you're especially excited about?

The renovation focused on creating a better learning environment, not just cosmetic upgrades. We addressed important infrastructure needs, including HVAC, bathrooms, flooring, and classroom functionality, so teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning.

We redesigned spaces to better serve students, including relocating kindergarten classrooms to areas with easier access and in-classroom bathrooms. The renovation also includes a new media center, creating an inviting space that encourages reading, learning, and exploration.

What does the move back to Cook represent for the Wesley community?

Our return to Cook reflects what Wesley has represented for the past 20 years: excellence in education, no matter where learning takes place.

Whether in our original building, during remote learning, or at Coan, our mission has remained the same. While it's exciting to be back in our building, what truly makes Wesley special is our students, families, teachers, and staff. They are what make Wesley feel like home.
 

How do you hope to build on Wesley's strengths this school year?

Our theme for 2026-2027 is "Excellence Every Class, Every Day."

We want excellence to be part of every learning experience, whether students are solving math problems, creating in the arts, competing in PE, or collaborating with classmates. Achieving that vision requires strong partnerships between students, families, teachers, and staff, along with using data to continuously improve.

Together, we'll continue preparing students for success both inside and outside the classroom.
 

What message would you like to share with Wesley families, students, and staff?

To our families, thank you for trusting us with your children. We value that partnership and work every day to earn your trust.

To our students, enjoy the rest of your summer. We can't wait to welcome you back home for an exciting year of learning and growth.

To our staff, thank you for your dedication as we begin Wesley's third decade of serving students. I'm honored to lead such an incredible team.

Above all, I want every family to know that Wesley is a place where children are safe, valued, loved, and challenged to reach their full potential.