To be in education is to have an opportunity to mold the future. The future is what our world depends upon. My name is Kanissa Hardwick and I am the principal at PILA. I began my calling in education when I pursued my masters degree in 2010. I have attended and graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan, University of Phoenix, and Carson Newman University. I began a career in virtual education in 2013. From 2013-2022 I served the community of K12 powered schools now known as Stride. I served the students as a teacher, master teacher, principal, post-secondary advisor, and district trainer.  I am blessed to be part of the Polk County School system and serve as your principal for PILA.

I truly believe in the PILA model and what it stands for. All students can achieve greatness. However, greatness looks different for every student. While virtual education is not the option for every student, for some students it is truly the only option. This type of education allows flexibility, your child may need a lot of guidance in the beginning. Help your child develop a routine, a schedule, then allow them to make changes as they need.

Our students learn to be proud of who they are and know their worth. Our senior class from 2022, heard our self-proclaimed statement of “Be PILA Proud.”

We value our students, their education, their beliefs, and their life goals. At PILA we believe achievement starts with the desire to be successful. PILA is here to push your student to their personal best! I am thankful for the chance to serve you and your children.