Thrive Beyond Academy: Meet the Founder
Meet Shawndrika Harston — Educator & Advocate
With over 17 years of experience in education, specializing in special education, Shawndrika Harston is deeply committed to individualized learning and student empowerment. Throughout her career in traditional school settings, she witnessed far too many bright, capable students being overlooked or underserved. These experiences ignited her passion to establish a nonprofit microschool that creates a learning environment where every child can truly thrive.
In 2024, Shawndrika founded Thrive Beyond Academy, rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Grounded in the values of authenticity, accountability, adaptability, and acceptance, she created a nurturing space where each student’s journey is honored through individualized learning.
As a wife and mother of three, Shawndrika brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She understands the challenges families face when traditional schooling isn’t the right fit. This dual perspective — as both educator and parent — fuels her dedication to creating a place where students are not only taught but truly valued.
“I founded Thrive Beyond Academy because I believe every child deserves to be seen, understood, and taught in a way that brings out their brilliance.” — Shawndrika Harston
Shawndrika welcomes families who are seeking an educational experience that lifts up each child’s voice and potential. She invites you to join the Thrive Beyond community, where students not only learn but grow into confident, curious, and compassionate individuals.
Our Dedicated Team
Meet Coach Harston — Leader & Mentor
With over 19 years of experience in education and athletics, Coach Harston brings a rare combination of academic rigor and competitive-field discipline to everything he does. As a former head basketball coach, he built a reputation for developing more than just skilled players — he built leaders, thinkers, and resilient young people ready to face whatever comes next.
At Thrive Beyond Academy, Coach Harston leads both academic support and athletic development. He directs the Thrive Elite Academy program — a first-of-its-kind model where students receive four hours of rigorous academics alongside two hours of daily basketball training and leadership development. His approach is straightforward but powerful: accountability builds confidence, discipline creates freedom, and every student deserves to be both challenged and championed.
"Success isn't just about what you achieve. It's about who you become along the way."
Coach Harston co-founded Thrive Beyond Academy on the belief that a student's circumstances should never define their ceiling. He is committed to creating an environment where young people feel supported enough to take risks, grow through challenge, and step confidently into their potential — in the classroom, on the court, and in life.
Outside of school, he enjoys time with his family, coaching, and continuing to invest in the community through mentorship and youth development.
