Meet the Principal

Ms. AJ Smith has served as the Principal of Elkins Pointe Middle School since November 2023, bringing deep instructional knowledge, relational leadership, and a strong commitment to student success to the school community. Having previously begun her career at Elkins Pointe, her return to the school as principal represents a full-circle moment grounded in experience, vision, and dedication to the students and families she serves.

Ms. Smith is from Johnson City, Tennessee, and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies. She began her teaching career at Elkins Pointe Middle School in 2008, starting in sixth grade. By 2015, she was teaching all grade levels across multiple content areas as a special education teacher. During her time at Elkins Pointe, she earned her graduate degree in Behavior and Learning Disabilities from Georgia State University.

Ms. Smith later served as the Administrative Assistant at Sweet Apple Elementary School while completing her specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. In 2017, she was named Assistant Principal of Hembree Springs Elementary School and, in 2020, was appointed Principal. During her tenure, she led with a strong focus on student achievement, staff development, and meaningful family and community partnerships.

Under Ms. Smith’s leadership, Hembree Springs Elementary School was recognized twice by the state of Georgia as a Title I Distinguished School. The PTA also earned National PTA School of Excellence recognition for two consecutive cycles (2020–2022 and 2022–2024). In 2021, Ms. Smith was honored by the Georgia PTA as Elementary Principal of Excellence, becoming the only elementary principal in the state to receive this distinction. This recognition highlighted her extraordinary commitment to students, staff, and families.

As Principal of Elkins Pointe Middle School, Ms. Smith has prioritized student growth, effective transitions, and a strong sense of belonging. One of her signature initiatives has been the development and implementation of the 6th Grade Academy, designed to support students as they transition into middle school by addressing academic, social-emotional, and organizational needs. This initiative reflects her belief in meeting students where they are and building a foundation for long-term success.

Ms. Smith has been part of the Roswell community since 2008 and resides within the Elkins Pointe Middle School district. Four of her five children attend Hembree Springs Elementary School. She is the proud mother of five children: Jazlyn (10th grade), Nehemiah (6th grade), Nyla (5th grade), Josiah (3rd grade), and Jayla (1st grade). Living and working in the same community as the schools she serves is deeply important to her and shapes her approach to leadership.

A dynamic and people-centered leader, Ms. Smith believes that academic success depends on meeting the needs of the whole child while supporting and developing the educators who serve them. She holds firm to the belief that all students can learn and be successful and remains committed to supporting all stakeholders. Ms. Smith continues to lead with passion, purpose, and drive as she serves the Elkins Pointe Middle School community.