About Us

Welcome to Clay International Academy!

My name is Dr. Nicole Garcia, and I am excited to begin the new school year. I was born and raised in the South Bend area and attended Saint Mary’s College for undergraduate school. I love living and working in South Bend and am hoping to create more partnerships with our community.

I have a firm commitment to teaching and learning and believe that relationships are at the core of a great educational experience. I began my teaching career at Washington High School in 2004 and remained there for the last fifteen years. During my time at Washington High School, I taught 9th-12th grade ELA and served as the English Department Chair from 2013-2018. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Washington High School.

I am passionate about reading and believe that literacy is the key to student success in school, at work, and in life. I am committed to having a culture of super readers at CIA and am eager to have our parents involved, as well!

As the principal of Clay International Academy, I will place students’ needs at the core of the work we do on a daily basis. I am a firm believer in high expectations, relationships, equity, relevancy, and inclusiveness. I want Clay International Academy to be a family and will strive to create an atmosphere where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and am looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Nicole Garcia, Ed.D
#TeamSouthBend 
#TeamCIA

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