Recently retired from Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, Tracy Roof will help develop systems and policies for a full-day, private transitional school set to open on campus in August for children with dyslexia.
A former teacher and elementary school principal with more than 30 years of experience has been named the inaugural director of business and school operations for the Roberts Academy at Elon University.
Tracy Roof, who retired from Guilford County Schools in 2025, said she’s excited about her new opportunity to help start North Carolina’s first university-based, all-day private elementary school for children with dyslexia.
The Roberts Academy at Elon University will use the multisensory Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction once it launches in August to third- and fourth-grade students in a temporary location on West Trollinger Avenue.
The academy will expand to grades 1-6 when a new building opens for the 2028-2029 academic year on East Haggard Avenue near the university’s Danieley Neighborhood. Each classroom will be capped at 12 students.
“The Roberts Academy model offers a meaningful opportunity to help students with dyslexia become confident, capable readers so they can truly thrive in school,” Roof said. “I’m excited to welcome our first students and families, build our inaugural classes and establish strong systems that will support both teaching and learning from day one.”
“The Roberts Academy model offers a meaningful opportunity to help students with dyslexia become confident, capable readers so they can truly thrive in school.”
– Tracy Roof, director of business and school operations, Roberts Academy at Elon University
Roof joins Assistant Professor Alicia Tate, acting director of the Roberts Academy at Elon University, as a founding administrator at the school.
“Tracy’s career achievements and her experience working closely with students with a variety of needs made her an ideal candidate for this position,” Tate said. “Having her on the Roberts Academy team will ensure early success for a school with such promise for so many children and their families.”
Over the past 15 years, Roof has served in school leadership roles as both an assistant principal and principal at the elementary and middle school levels, leading efforts to improve student outcomes and overall school performance. Earlier in her career, she spent 12 years teaching math, science, and social studies, followed by six years as a curriculum facilitator, where she supported instructional improvement and teacher development.
Throughout her career, Roof has worked closely with students and families to develop effective Individualized Education Plans, helping ensure each child receives the support needed to succeed.
Beyond her professional roles, Roof has been an active community volunteer supporting individuals with special needs and disabilities.
Her involvement includes supporting the launch of A Special Blend, a Greensboro coffee shop that employs individuals with special needs, as well as volunteering with Night to Shine, an inclusive prom experience, and the Special Olympics.
Established in 2025 through a gift from philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts of Lakeland, Florida, the Roberts Academy at Elon University will be the fourth in a series of successful university-based private elementary schools the couple established at Vanderbilt University, Mercer University and Florida Southern College.
Submit a prospective student form here for rising third- and fourth-grade students. Families interested in learning can visit the Roberts Academy website at www.elon.edu/robertsacademy.