Bentley named Sussex Academy head of school

New Sussex Academy Head of School Kyle Bentley said he feels welcomed in his new role and has already been able to meet with students at the public charter school’s elementary summer camps.

“It’s clear there are really great people here,” he said. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m here for a reason too.”

The former principal of H.O. Brittingham Elementary said it was tough leaving, but the opportunity to serve as head of school doesn’t come along often. When it did, Bentley said he pursued the position because it met his educational philosophy and family’s needs.

Bentley said he appreciates that parents have a choice for their childrens’ education, and that the two-campus academy provides a small learning environment with accelerated learning opportunities.

The school, which serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, Bentley said. As a public charter school, he said it receives state funding for operating expenses and relies on community and business partners for capital expenses like facilities.

With 1,180 students, the charter is at capacity and has a wait list at every grade level because there is a great demand for choice in education, Bentley said. Most students hail from the Indian River and Cape Henlopen school districts, he said.

Sussex Academy’s small class sizes and its promise to Explore, Experience and Excel were appealing to him as an educator and as a parent, Bentley said. For now, he said his goal is to listen, learn and build relationships.

Bentley is taking over for interim Head of School Janet Owens, who succeeded prior leader, Eric Anderson, who left the position in December 2023. Bentley joined the Cape district in 2017 as Cape High assistant principal before being named principal at H.O. Brittingham Elementary in 2020.

Previously, Bentley had assistant principal roles at Seaford High and W.T. Chipman Middle. Fluent in Spanish, he began his career as a bilingual teaching at Julia de Burgos Elementary in Philadelphia.

Bentley has a bachelor’s degree in kindergarten and elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from Penn State University. He has completed coursework toward a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of Delaware, and was named 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year by Delaware Association of School Administrators. 

He and his wife Ali live in the Harbeson area with their daughters Lola, 3, and Chloe, 1. In their spare time, the family enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time at their community pool.

“They’ll be coming to Sussex Academy in a couple years; that was a major part of the decision to take this opportunity,” Bentley said. “As a parent you want the best for your kids, and we believe Sussex Academy is that choice.”