Fall River Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith announces Dr. Janet Schweizer appointed principal of Evolve Academy

Fall River Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith has announced that Dr. Janet Schweizer has been appointed principal of Evolve Academy, which will begin the 2026–2027 school year as a new, standalone high school in the district.

Evolve Academy has previously been a pathway within B.M.C. Durfee High School, providing a competency and project-based approach for students who benefit from a different high school experience. In April, the Fall River School Committee voted to establish Evolve Academy as a new standalone high school, marking the next chapter in the program’s growth and development.

FRPS states that since its founding in 2019, Evolve has experienced steady growth in both applications and enrollment. The move to a larger, dedicated space will allow Evolve Academy to serve more students and expand its learning opportunities.

Beginning in September, Evolve Academy will occupy the top two floors of 290 Rock Street. Over the summer, work was completed to create a dedicated space for Evolve, separate from the other programs housed in the building, including Resiliency Preparatory Academy and Fall River Virtual High School. It is also a full-circle moment for Evolve, which originally launched at 290 Rock Street in 2019.

“Establishing Evolve as an independent school allows us to build on that success and offer more students an opportunity to experience high school in a more personalized way while maintaining high expectations for learning and post-secondary success,” said Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “Dr. Schweizer has created meaningful opportunities for students to rediscover their strengths, their confidence, and their love of learning. I know Janet will continue to move Evolve in a positive direction as the school grows and creates even more opportunities for students.”

Dr. Schweizer has more than two decades of experience in education and has dedicated her career to creating innovative learning environments and expanding opportunities for students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in English as a Second Language Education from Drexel University, a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a doctorate in Transformative School Leadership from Northeastern University.

Dr. Schweizer has spent the past 15 years serving students in Fall River Public Schools, including as an ELA teacher and school counselor at Resiliency Preparatory Academy. She later served as the school design leader responsible for developing and launching Evolve Academy. Most recently, Dr. Schweizer has served as Evolve’s Vice Principal/Department Head. Evolve Academy is expected to serve up to 200 students this school year at its new Rock Street location.

“Evolve is built on the belief that students deserve an opportunity to experience high school in a way that works for them,” said Dr. Schweizer. “I am incredibly proud of what our students and staff have built together and excited for this next chapter as Evolve becomes its own school. This transition allows us to build on what we know works, reach more students and continue creating a supportive, challenging school community that prepares every student for success after graduation.”

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Schweizer enjoys outdoor adventures with her family. Her passion for school design and her commitment to equity for all learners continue to shape her vision for student- and community-centered education.