Zeta Charter Schools Founder and CEO Emily A. Kim (c.) announced the appointment of the principal and school manager of Zeta Queens Flushing at a press conference at the Flushing Chinese Business Association.
Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
The leadership team was announced for Zeta Queens Flushing Elementary School, the first charter school in Flushing, on Tuesday, May 5, at the Flushing Chinese Business Association, located at 40-48 Main St., Room 302.
Members of the Flushing Chinese Business Association with Zeta Charter Schools Founder and CEO Emily A. Kim (front row, fourth from r.), Zeta Queens Flushing Principal Courtney Erickson (front row, third from right) and Zeta Queens Flushing School Manager Ana Martinez (front row, second from r.). Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Courtney Erickson was named founding principal of the new charter school, while Ana Martinez was appointed school manager.
Ana Martinez (r.) was named the school manager and Courtney Erickson (second from right) was named the school principal. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud
Erickson has nearly ten years of experience in high-performing K-8 schools, along with a proven track record of student achievement and instructional leadership. She had previously served as the assistant principal at Zeta Queens Elmhurst, where she led her elementary school students to a 96% passing rate on the New York State Math Assessment. This was well above the city average.
“Our continued growth in Queens reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that every family has access to a world-class education,” Zeta Charter Schools Founder and CEO Emily A. Kim said. “Principal Erickson’s appointment as the inaugural leader of Zeta Queens Flushing ensures the strong launch of our rigorous, whole-child school model in Flushing from day one. As Assistant Principal at Zeta Queens Elmhurst, Ms. Erickson has shown extraordinary dedication to our students and delivered exceptional results. Her commitment to academic excellence, combined with her genuine love for every child, makes her the ideal leader to open Zeta Queens Flushing and serve this vibrant community.”
Erickson is deeply committed to developing all children at Zeta Queens Flushing into lifelong learners, problem-solvers and innovators prepared to confidently pursue their full potential.
“To me, love means holding high expectations and ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed—not just in school, but beyond. I want our students to grow into confident leaders, caring community members and lifelong learners.” Erickson said. “I am privileged to lead Zeta Queens Flushing, working alongside our teachers and faculty for every student to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Flushing is an extraordinary community, and I look forward to welcoming our students and partnering with our families in August.”
Martinez will be responsible for overseeing and working alongside Erickson to create a successful learning environment. She had previously worked as the principal of Zeta Inwood Elementary School. In addition to overseeing Zeta Flushing, she will also be responsible for managing Zeta’s Queens schools in Elmhurst and Jamaica.
“I am honored to partner with Principal Erickson to lead Zeta Queens Flushing,” Martinez said. “Together we will create a welcoming, rigorous and inclusive school where students and families feel supported from day one. Flushing families deserve world-class academics and exceptional service, and that’s exactly what we’ll deliver.”
Zeta Queens Flushing is located at 133-50 41st Ave., the former site of Mega Academy. The building is undergoing renovations that will create bright, modern learning spaces designed for young learners. Renovations are expected to wrap up ahead of the new school year in August. It will initially serve Kindergarten and first graders. One grade will be added each year as the school grows to serve students in pre-K through 12th grade.
Zeta Charter Schools is a high-performing public charter school network that serves more than 4,000 students in New York City.