Trident Academy Announces Strategic Leadership Shifting for the 2026-2027 School Year

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC — June 2, 2026 — Trident Academy is proud to announce a strategic evolution within its leadership team, effective July 1, 2026. As the school embarks on an exciting new chapter under Interim Head of School Hacker Burr, two familiar faces will step into pivotal new roles to guide the institution’s operations and community growth.

Erik Kreutner, currently serving as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment, will transition into the role of Assistant Head of School and Chief Operations Officer (COO). Concurrently, Jp Sticco, currently the Assistant Head of School, will become the new Director of Admissions and Enrollment. Both leaders have been actively onboarding early this summer to ensure a seamless transition for the upcoming academic year. These leadership updates are a direct result of Trident Academy’s strategic plan, designed by the Board of Trustees to maximize leadership impact and support the school’s long-term growth.

A Proven Leader Steps into Operations

Erik Kreutner joined Trident Academy in 2021, quickly becoming a trusted ally for families seeking a place where their children could truly belong. Kreutner brings a wealth of independent school administration experience to the COO position, having previously served for eight years as the Head of School at Mason Preparatory School. His deep, invaluable knowledge of school leadership and operations will strengthen Trident Academy's foundational infrastructure during this transitional period.

"By creating the new role of Chief Operations Officer, Trident Academy is allowing our academic leaders to focus on student outcomes and community culture. I am excited to meet the challenges presented by this opportunity, and I look forward to doing my part to make it easier for Trident Academy's educators to educate our amazing students." — Erik Kreutner, Incoming Assistant Head of School and COO

A Relatable Advocate to Welcome New Families

Jp Sticco’s journey at Trident Academy began in 2016 when he was hired as a 5th-grade classroom teacher. Over the past decade, Sticco has served the school in numerous capacities and has been instrumental in the individual success of countless students. As a dyslexic learner himself, Sticco brings a profound, personal empathy to the admissions process, allowing him to relate deeply to the experiences, challenges, and hopes of prospective families.

"To serve as Trident Academy’s new Director of Admissions and Enrollment is a profound honor. I am fueled by the incredible journeys of our students, past and present, made possible by the transformative devotion of our faculty and staff. I look forward to sharing these stories of growth and triumph with prospective families, and welcoming future students who embody the resilient, unstoppable spirit that defines Trident Academy." — Jp Sticco, Incoming Director of Admissions and Enrollment

Looking Toward a Bright Future

These leadership updates reinforce Trident Academy’s commitment to providing specialized, world-class education for students with learning differences. The school community looks forward to a bright future championed by the collective expertise, passion, and dedication of both Kreutner and Sticco.

"We are incredibly excited for the future of Trident Academy under the updated roles of both Erik and Jp," said Hacker Burr, Interim Head of School. "Their combined institutional knowledge, professional expertise, and deep love for our mission ensure that Trident Academy will continue to thrive and remain a safe haven for learners who think differently."

About Trident Academy

For over 50 years, Trident Academy in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, has operated as a private, independent school dedicated to educating students with learning differences, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Utilizing a specialized, research-based curriculum and providing a nurturing environment, Trident Academy empowers students to discover their potential and achieve academic and personal success. For more information, visit tridentacademy.com.

Trident Academy | 1455 Wakendaw Rd. | Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464