Michael De Jong to lead CCSD’s Turning Point Academy
June 3, 2024
Charleston County School District (CCSD) announces that interim principal, Michael De Jong has been appointed principal at Turning Point Academy (TPA). De Jong has skillfully led TPA since August 2023.
De Jong served as interim principal at Baptist Hill Middle High School for the 2022-2023 school year after serving as an assistant principal since 2017.
De Jong began his career in education in 2009 at Daniel Jenkins Academy as a physical science, biology, and chemistry teacher. A year later, he took his talents to Gordon H. Garrett Academy of Technology where he taught chemistry and environmental science for several years while also serving as a CCSD mentor and homebound instructor.
In addition to teaching science, De Jong served as Garrett’s Athletic Director from 2013 to 2017. He also took a position as an adjunct professor in hospitality management at Trident Technical College’s Culinary Institute of Charleston from 2014 to 2016. Prior to his career in the field of education, he was the owner and manager of beverage companies across the Southeast and Midwest.
While at Baptist Hill, De Jong demonstrated leadership in all aspects of overall day-to-day operations over his six years of service.
“Mr. De Jong is a passionate leader and an advocate for all students. We are pleased to welcome him to TPA,” said Dr. Sherry Eppelsheimer, Associate Superintendent of the High School Learning Community.
De Jong holds a Bachelor of Science in Science and a minor in Business Administration from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. He also earned a Master of Education in Education and Administration Leadership from American College of Education.
