Our Principal

Latoya D. Roberts

Welcome to River Oaks Academy, home of the Bulldogs! When you enter our school, it is my goal for you to feel like you belong and more importantly that your child belongs. We are committed to ensuring our students’ social and emotional needs are met, which serves as the foundation for meeting their academic needs. Research shows that parent engagement and involvement significantly affects a child’s success in school. I am committed to ensuring that River Oaks Academy is a place where staff and families can collaborate to effectively meet the needs of each individual child. While academic growth is important, I believe it would be a complete disservice to not develop the whole child. Therefore it is my goal to foster and nurture in an inclusive environment where all students can learn and grow because they are surrounded by a team of champions. I am equally committed to ensuring that every child LOVES coming to school every day and receives the highest quality of education that they deserve. 

I believe that relationships are the heart of education and I value my connection with all stakeholders but especially my students. I want to leave a legacy of public school excellence for my scholars. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC and I was not a military brat although my dad served in the military for a short period. I started teaching in Cumberland County Schools in 3rd grade. I moved my family and career to CMS in 2016 where I taught 3rd and 5th grade at Berewick Elementary before becoming a Dean of Students at Newell Elementary. During my time in the classroom, I received my National Board Certification in Literacy Early Childhood. I received both my Masters Degrees: Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership. While working on my Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, I became the Assistant Principal of Lebanon Road Elementary, which was my recent role, go Leopards! As you can see I absolutely love learning and look forward to sharing the best experience of being a life-long learner.

I have 3 kids that are CMS scholars. My 2 youngest are in middle school and oldest in high school, so I understand life as a parent. My middle child is a girl with a slight attitude check needed but I could not do life with her brothers without her by my side. Then there is my mini-me, my mathematician, my youngest son shares my passion for math. I also help to shape life experiences for my nephew that my mom is raising due to losing my sister so he is like my 4th child. I spend my weekends supporting my children in their extracurricular events such as sports: football and basketball as well as cheerleading for my daughter. I absolutely love football season as I am a loyal Cowboys fan, respect the STAR! I am also a die-hard Carolina Tar Heel fan, go Heels.  With my little spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, making wreaths, traveling, and shopping!

Please feel free to reach out to me with questions or concerns at 980-344-1020 or email at latoyad.roberts@cms.k12.nc.us.

I am certainly honored to serve in this community as the very proud Principal of River Oaks Academy in CMS. I look forward to partnering with you to make this teaching and learning experience the best for all children. #gobulldogs

Every child’s champion,

Latoya Roberts, Proud Principal