Dr. Monica S. Hall spotlights dual leadership in education and chaplaincy

Dr. Monica S. Hall is being recognized during National Principals Month and National Chaplain Appreciation Month for her work as both Head of School at T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy and a U.S. Army Chaplain. Her story connects school leadership, faith-based service and a growing education model centered on belonging, literacy and character.

Why it matters: - Dr. Monica S. Hall’s career shows how school leadership and chaplaincy can reinforce the same goal: helping people grow with purpose, care and dignity. - Her work at T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy reaches more than 300 students, making her leadership relevant to families, educators and community leaders looking for a values-driven school model. - Her dual role lands during National Principals Month and National Chaplain Appreciation Month, adding public recognition to two forms of service that often operate behind the scenes.

What happened: - October marks both National Principals Month and National Chaplain Appreciation Month. - Dr. Hall serves as Founder and Head of School of T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy. - Dr. Hall also serves as Founder and CEO of The HallPass Institute and Founder of T.H.R.I.V.E. Live!, a learning management system. - Dr. Hall has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 20 years. - Dr. Hall is an ordained minister and a U.S. Army Chaplain. - Dr. Hall is also an educator, author, speaker, culture architect and nationally recognized education thought leader.

The details: - Dr. Hall earned degrees from Howard University, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and the University of Miami. - Dr. Hall originally planned to become a military attorney and hoped to serve as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. - During her junior year at Howard University, Dr. Hall felt called to Army Chaplaincy instead. - T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy opened in 2013 with two first-grade students. - The school now serves more than 300 students, who are called Student-Stewards. - Dr. Hall built the school after operating a community center that served children and families. - T.H.R.I.V.E. uses a whole-child approach that connects academic development with belonging, leadership and character. - The school emphasizes evidence-based reading instruction, individualized academic support and opportunities for students to read, write, speak and think critically. - Dr. Hall encourages families to evaluate schools by watching how adults respond when students struggle and whether children feel they belong. - Dr. Hall says school values should be visible in daily treatment of every member of the community. - Dr. Hall and her husband are parents to eight children. - Dr. Hall says her leadership is grounded in her faith in Jesus Christ and her family. - Dr. Hall said, “Whether I’m supporting Soldiers or leading a school community, the work is about listening, offering care, and helping people recognize their purpose.” - More information is available on the academy’s social media page.

Between the lines: - Dr. Hall’s message ties military chaplaincy to school leadership through a single framework: listening, care and purpose. - Her emphasis on literacy and identity suggests that T.H.R.I.V.E. is built to develop both academic skills and student confidence. - The school’s growth from two students to more than 300 points to demand for a model that blends faith, structure and culture-building.

What’s next: - Dr. Hall is likely to continue using her platforms in education, ministry and leadership development to influence schools and organizations. - T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy is positioned to keep expanding its reach as families seek schools with a clear values-based culture. - Dr. Hall’s broader mission remains focused on helping leaders build communities where purpose, communication and excellence shape daily practice.

The bottom line: - Dr. Monica S. Hall is being recognized for two overlapping callings that share the same core mission: serving people well and building communities that help them thrive.