Aspira Delaware announced Dr. René Diaz has been appointed as founding head of school for Las Américas Aspira Academy in Georgetown.

With a planned opening in September 2027, the tuition-free public charter school will initally serve elementary students in kindergarten through third grade, with plans to expand through fifth grade. Las Américas Aspira Academy will provide a high-quality, dual-language education designed to help students become bilingual, biliterate and academically prepared while fostering leadership, cultural pride and civic responsibility. 

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in education serving students and families in Sussex County, Diaz has served in a variety of roles including high school assistant principal, high school social studies teacher, migrant education teacher, 4-H youth development educator, substitute teacher and paraprofessional.

Most recently, Diaz served as principal of Milford Central Academy, where he led initiatives that significantly reduced both in-school and out-of-school suspensions across all major subcategories. Under his leadership, the school also achieved measurable gains in English language arts and mathematics, as reflected in improved student performance on the Delaware System of Student Assessments.

Diaz earned a master of arts degree in teaching from Wilmington University and a doctor of education degree in organizational leadership from the University of Delaware.

In his role as founding head of school, Diaz will lead the planning and implementation of the school's academic vision, organizational development and community engagement efforts. He will work alongside Aspira Delaware's leadership team to recruit exceptional educators, build strong partnerships with families and community organizations, and establish a culture of excellence that will serve students for generations to come.

"We are so fortunate to have Dr. Diaz join the Aspira Delaware family during this crucial time of growth and expansion in Southern Delaware. As an accomplished and passionate educational leader in Sussex County, he shares in Aspira's mission and vision to provide high-quality, bilingual education to all students," said Elizabeth Diaz-Morales, Aspira Delaware board chair and principal chemist at Chemours. 

"I am honored to join Aspira Delaware during such an exciting time as the organization expands into Sussex County," said Diaz. "As a Sussex County resident for more than 20 years, I am especially excited to bring my knowledge, experience and passion for education to serve the Georgetown community. Opening a new school is a unique opportunity to build a learning community where students feel valued, families are true partners and every child is empowered to reach their full potential. I look forward to working alongside our educators, families and community partners to create an exceptional educational experience for the children of Georgetown and throughout Sussex County. Georgetown is a vibrant and diverse community, and I am honored to help establish a school that reflects its strengths, celebrates its diversity and culture, and prepares students for lifelong success.”

The appointment marks another significant milestone in Aspira Delaware's expansion into Sussex County. The organization has been working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to develop a school that reflects the needs and strengths of the region while providing students with an innovative, student-centered educational experience.

Delaware’s school choice program allows families living in Delaware to apply to enroll their children in any Delaware public traditional school district, charter school or vocational-technical school, regardless of their home address. With a few exceptions, families must choice students into schools during the school choice application window, which takes place from the first Monday in November until the second Wednesday in January for the following school year.

To learn more, go to Aspiraacademy.org.

With two campuses serving more than 1,400 students in New Castle County, Aspira Delaware is celebrating its 15th anniversary as a public charter school organization dedicated to preparing students for success in college, careers and life through academic excellence, leadership development and strong community partnerships. Las Américas Aspira Academy in Georgetown will become the organization's newest school, expanding access to high-quality dual language education for families in Sussex County.