Jim Duffey


Executive Director


Hello, my name is Jim Duffey. My wife Kelly and our son Sam have lived in the same neighborhood in Cornelius, NC for 21 years. Kelly has always been involved at ARS as a volunteer, substitute teacher, and a parent when Sam was a student. 

I am the Executive Director here at American Renaissance School and I was a founding member of the Middle School staff, where I taught, was athletic director and Principal.  I hold a BS in Education from Miami University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University.

I got my start in education as an Environmental Educator at YMCA Camp Fitch on Lake Erie in PA, and my first classroom job was in New Mexico on the Navajo Indian Reservation. When I arrived at ARS I was the owner of American EdVentures Corp specializing in taking teenagers into the wilderness and my wife Kelly and I have guided ARS students on backcountry trips from Maine to Alaska.

After 24 years at ARS, I still can't help but get excited to see new families joining us and couldn't be prouder to see our alumni come back home.
We greatly value the feedback of our parents and community! If you have anything to share, please get in touch.

Contact Us