Executive Director - Alyson Weiss
I am beyond excited to join the 21st Century Preparatory School family as your new Executive Director. I started teaching in 1998 and my educational journey in Racine began in 2002. Returning to serve the community that raised me feels like coming home. Over the past 20+ years, I have had the joy of working as a 4th grade classroom teacher, special education inclusive practices coach, director of student services, building principal, and superintendent—each role shaping my belief that strong relationships and shared purpose make schools thrive.
Racine is more than where I work—it’s where I belong. I serve on two city committees and believe deeply in giving back to our community. As a leader, I am committed to servant and transformational leadership, working alongside our students, families, and staff to create a culture rooted in respect, belonging, and high expectations.
At home, I am remarried with a big, blended family of four children and three bonus children, ages 15 to 29 plus one grandson. When I’m not at school, you can often find me staying active, enjoying live music, cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks, exploring our beautiful downtown and lakefront, or simply spending time with the people I love most.
Alyson Weiss
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Principal of Curriculum and Instruction - Reiko Arimura
Hello students, families, and community members of 21st Century Preparatory School! I am honored to serve as your Principal of Curriculum and Instruction for the 2025–2026 school year. I am excited to continue supporting the incredible work happening in our classrooms and to collaborate with all of you to ensure our students receive a high-quality, equitable education.
My educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that: “Every child deserves access to rigorous, engaging learning experiences in a safe, inclusive environment. When schools partner with families and communities, we create the conditions for students to thrive, not just academically, but as confident, compassionate individuals ready to lead and contribute to the world around them.”
In my role, I will work closely with teachers and staff to strengthen instruction, align curriculum, and support professional development. My focus is on ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. Together, we’ll continue building on our strong foundation and push toward even greater outcomes for all learners.
Before stepping into this position, I served as Interim Principal for the 2024-25 school year, Assistant Principal for two years, and taught middle school English for eight years in Kenosha. Prior to that, I was an English teacher in Milwaukee and the Chicago area for four years. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Carthage College, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, a second Master’s in School Leadership, and am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University. I am passionate about supporting teachers, building strong systems, and creating school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and challenged.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my daughter, exploring bookstores, baking, and watching documentaries.
I look forward to a year of growth, partnership, and joy. Let’s make 2025–2026 our best year yet!
Reiko Arimura
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Principal of Culture and Safety - Jennifer Garin, PhD
Hello students and families of 21st Century Preparatory School. I am excited to be your Principal of Culture and Safety for the 2025-2026 school year. It was an honor to be your Coordinator of Restorative Justice and Discipline last school year which allowed me the opportunity to get to know many of our students and families. I look forward to building even more positive relationships with our students and families this school year.
As your new Principal of Culture and Safety, my priority is to make sure our school community is safe and conducive to learning. If students do not feel safe and have a sense of belonging, they cannot learn at their highest potential. I will continue to work together with our admin team, staff, students and families to ensure ALL students are safe and learning at the highest levels. Let’s make this the best year yet here at 21st Century!
Prior to coming to 21st Century School in 2024, I was a Culture and Safety Specialist for Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) for 2 years. Before that, I was the Dean of Students at EBSOLA Creative Arts Elementary School in KUSD for 4 years. I have also worked as a high school health and physical education teacher and new teacher mentor for KUSD. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 School Health Education and a Master’s degree in K-12 Physical Education Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, a PhD in K-12 Studies in Education from Capella University, an Administrative License from Carthage College and I am a Certified Master Trainer in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Techniques and Best Practices through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. I will continue to learn and grow each and every day in order to provide the best learning environment possible for our students.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am a former college rugby player so I love watching rugby, attending music concerts, and reading.
Jen Garin, PhD
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