Our Principal

Welcome to Cato Ridge Middle School!

It is with great excitement and deep gratitude that I welcome you to South Charlotte’s newest middle school, Cato Ridge Middle School, opening its doors in August 2026. As the founding principal, I am honored to lead this incredible new chapter for our students, families, and community and bring a deep commitment to creating a school where every learner is supported, challenged, and empowered.

With over 25 years in CMS, I have served in multiple leadership roles, including teacher, instructional leader, and administrator at the elementary level and administrator at the high school level. My career has been shaped by a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments and ensuring that all students—regardless of background, ability, or need—have access to high‑quality instruction and meaningful opportunities to grow.
I believe strongly in the power of relationships. I look to lead with warmth, authenticity, and a clear vision for what school can be when students feel known and valued. I center my work on bringing together students, staff, and families to build a collaborative school culture where academic success and social‑emotional development go hand in hand.

Our school was created with purpose—to relieve overcrowding at J.M. Robinson, Community House, and Rea Farms STEAM middle schools, and to ensure that every young learner in South Charlotte has access to a rich, engaging, and personalized middle school experience. We are thrilled to serve students in grades 6–8, guiding them through some of the most important years of their academic and personal development.
Our three‑story, state‑of‑the‑art campus features 54 modern classrooms, a full gymnasium with a stage, a vibrant media center, an innovative maker space, advanced science labs, and turf athletic fields that will support our students’ physical growth and team spirit year‑round. Every detail was designed with the whole child in mind—supporting creativity, collaboration, exploration, and belonging.

Most importantly, I am committed to building a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student is known, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. Our staff will work with passion and purpose to foster academic excellence while nurturing character, resilience, and leadership.

As we prepare to welcome our inaugural class, I look forward to partnering with families and the greater community to shape a school culture rooted in trust, inclusivity, and shared pride. Together, we will build something extraordinary—a place where students not only learn, but truly thrive.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. I cannot wait to meet each of you as we open our doors and begin this work together.

Warmly,
Dr. Jovana Edwards
Principal,
Cato Ridge Middle School