CARES School Jackson

For information on attending the CARES School Jackson, contact 769-777-1310.
Fax: 601-360-0037

Scenes from CARES School Jackson

Meet the Principal

CHarles E. Lacy, Ed.S.
Principal, CARES School Jackson

Charles E. Lacy serves as the principal of Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) CARES School Jackson. In his role, Charles works alongside the school districts, parents, CARES School teachers, and therapists to ensure students receive support that aligns with their specialized needs while equipping them with tools to  return successfully to their home schools. While students attend CARES School, Charles informs the districts of each student’s progress with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) milestones and with the assistance of CARES School staff and the student’s family, helps to develop plans for the student. He works with multi-disciplinary teams to develop educational and behavioral programming.

Charles became principal of the CARES School in June 2021. Prior to coming to CARES School, Charles served as Director of Education for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi where he directed and implemented virtual learning educational programming at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Charles has an extensive educational background spanning over 27 years. He retired in 2019 from the public school system after serving as principal, assistant principal, and teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

“I am an avid believer of the old African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’,” said Charles. “An entire community of people must provide for and interact positively for children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. Canopy provides that ‘village’ of support for the students at CARES School.  Through Canopy’s continuum of solutions, a child is given the tools and resources needed to reach their full potential.”

Charles graduated from Jackson State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and a specialist degree in educational leadership and supervision. He has extensive training and experience working with children with special needs and children facing social and emotional trauma. Charles is a veteran, serving 14 years in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve.

While a native of Waterloo, Iowa, Charles grew up and received his education in Holmes County, Mississippi. In his spare time, he enjoys spending quality time with his two sons, traveling, experience new restaurants and exercising.