Margaret A. Smith is a veteran educator and youth advocate with over three decades of dedicated service in public and private education. A graduate of Southern A&M University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1998 and a Master of Education in Administration & Supervision in 2004. Further advancing her academic career, she completed a Master’s Degree Plus 30 Graduate Hours in 2006.

​

Margaret began her journey in education in 1979 with Ascension Parish Schools, where she served in various impactful roles over a span of 32 years. Her career included positions as a school paraprofessional, attendance clerk, head secretary, and teacher at Lowery Middle School—where she taught Math, Science, English Language Arts, and Education to Careers from 1998 to 2012. Her work reflected a deep commitment to student achievement and holistic development.

​

In 2009–2010, Margaret served as a Counselor for Families in Need of Services (FINS), providing intervention, advocacy, and support to at-risk youth and their families. Her work in this capacity strengthened her reputation as a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to student well-being.

After retiring from public school teaching, Margaret continued to serve in education as a substitute Math and Geometry teacher at Donaldsonville High School in 2014. From 2014 to 2017, she taught Math and Science at New Vision Outreach Ministries Christian School and provided tutoring services to students across all grade levels until 2019.

​

In 2017, Margaret launched a home study program created to serve students who faced challenges in traditional public school environments. In 2022, C.C. Smith Learning Academy was created and through this alternative education model, she continues to foster academic growth, personal development, and tailored instruction for students needing a supportive and individualized learning experience.

Margaret is certified in Student Teaching and holds a Supervisory Certification in Child Welfare and Attendance/Visiting Teacher, awarded in 2006. Her career has been defined by resilience, leadership, and a genuine passion for empowering students to succeed academically and personally.

​

C.C. Smith Learning Academy (CCSLA) functions under existing Louisiana legal structures as a micro-school school, featuring small student groups and multi-age classrooms to provide a personalized, high-quality education for students in 5th through 12th grade. As a dedicated micro-school, CCSLA nurtures academic excellence, creativity, and personal growth within a supportive yet challenging environment.

​

Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to reach their full potential. We provide robust support services, including tailored IEP implementation, RTI (Response to Intervention) frameworks, and dedicated mental and behavioral health support to ensure every learner thrives. Through innovative teaching, individualized instruction, and hands on collaborative projects, we cultivate lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

 

We provide

 

 At CCSLA, we don’t just educate—we inspire and prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow.