Our Founding Team
Our diverse, dynamic founding team is comprised of professionals and community leaders with a deep investment in our community and a determination to ensure equitable access to quality education for all students.
Dr. Arielle J. Peterson, Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Arielle Peterson is the Founder and Executive Director of Primary Hall Preparatory Charter School. Dr. Peterson imagined opening her own school since she was a child and was excited to make that dream a reality in Buffalo, New York: “I wanted to design a school that would nurture and challenge elementary students to be college prepared. There is no better form of investing in our nation’s collective well-being than an efficient educational space for children.”
Dr. Peterson launched her career with Newark Public Schools serving in a myriad of roles ranging from early childhood to middle school. Additionally, Dr. Peterson worked for the Office of Special Education, providing professional development and consulting teachers on the development and execution of IEPs in Early Childhood. She firmly believes that “educators have the unique privilege of bridging the gap from students’ aspirations and potential to opportunity and achievement,” and she is determined to do just that for the students of Buffalo.
Dr. Peterson holds a BA in Psychology from Spelman College, and an MA in Education Administration from Caldwell University and a Doctorate from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Founding Board of Trustees (2018-2021)
Rochelle Brown, Madeliene Fierstein, Kerisha Hawthorne-Greer, Christopher Hayes, Dr. Francisco Hernandez-Ilizaturri, Desmond Rudd
Board of Trustees 2024-2025
Tiffany Hamilton Chair
Kristen Bellomo, Vice Chair
Rochelle Brown
Christopher Benson
Ade Adegoke
Pam Stephens-Jackson, Secretary
Temeka White, Treasurer
