About DOTT Academy

Founding Principal, DOTT Academy With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis brings a powerful blend of expertise, innovation, and heart to her role as the founding principal of DOTT Academy. Her journey spans work as a speech-language pathologist, classroom teacher, school administrator, and nationally recognized educational consultant. Dr. Bellande-Francis has successfully partnered with more than 15 school districts to drive academic achievement and implement transformational instructional practices. A lifelong advocate for equity and student-centered learning, she founded DOTT Academy to break free from the limitations of traditional education. Her bold vision led to a groundbreaking competency-based model where students progress based on mastery—not age or grade level—and develop the real-world skills today’s world demands: collaboration, critical thinking, independence, and ownership of learning. Dr. Bellande-Francis holds a doctorate in education and has earned a reputation for building strong school cultures, empowering educators, and designing personalized learning systems that honor every child’s potential. As a leader, she is deeply committed to making learning visible not only for students but for families—ensuring parents can actively engage with success criteria and monitor progress alongside their children. Dr. Bellande-Francis enjoys a vibrant family life as a wife and mother of four—three sons and one daughter—who continuously inspire her passion for reimagining education. When she’s not working, she enjoys running, reading, watching movies, and traveling to explore new cultures and perspectives—experiences that shape her belief inmeaningful, real-world learning.