Mercy Preparatory Academy

💜 Meet Ms. Leigh Dopson – Secondary Science Teacher & Science Department Head 🧪

We're excited to welcome Ms. Dopson to Mercy Prep! With a passion for science, a heart for discipleship, and years of experience in education and leadership, she is excited to invest in both the academic and spiritual growth of our students.

🎓 Education & Experience
Ms. Dopson earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Texas A&M University and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is certified in Science Composite (Grades 6–12) and joins Mercy Prep as our Secondary Science Teacher and Science Department Head.

🙏 Faith & Teaching
Her favorite verse is Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Ms. Dopson believes teaching is an opportunity to prepare students for the life God has planned for them while encouraging them to shine His light wherever they go.

👨‍👩‍👦 Faith & Family
Ms. Dopson attends First Baptist Church Midlothian, where she helps lead a women's Bible study. She has two adult sons who both serve in Waxahachie ISD as the Head Girls Basketball Coach and Head Athletic Trainer, along with a daughter-in-law who is an occupational therapist.

🎉 Fun Facts
🌿 She enjoys spending time outdoors, whether she's walking, gardening, or working in the yard.
📚 She loves getting lost in a good book.
🌍 Her dream travel destination is Africa.

🏫 Why Mercy Prep?
Ms. Dopson is excited to return to the classroom, build relationships with students and families, and help cultivate a love for science through a Christ-centered perspective.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Dopson to the Mercy Prep family! 💜

💜 Meet Mrs. Craig – Pre-K Teaching Assistant 🌟

We're excited to welcome Mrs. Craig to our Pre-K team! With nearly five years of preschool teaching experience and two years of substituting at Mercy Prep, she has already become a familiar and encouraging presence on our campus. This year, she's excited to step into a consistent role serving our youngest Royals each day.

🎓 Education & Experience
Mrs. Craig brings nearly five years of preschool teaching experience, along with two years of substitute teaching in both public schools and Mercy Prep. She has completed DFPS Reporting and Texas A&M SIDS training and loves helping young learners build confidence as they grow.

🙏 Faith & Teaching
Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Mrs. Craig believes every child should be nurtured with love, patience, and encouragement, and she strives to reflect Christ's love in every interaction with her students.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Faith & Family
Mrs. Craig and her husband, Austin, have four children—Collins, Beau, Tatum, and Kennedy—all part of the Mercy Prep family. They also have two rescue dogs, Emma and Ranger. Their family attends Midlothian Bible Church, where she has served on the hospitality team.

🎉 Fun Facts
⚽ She represented the USA on a Junior Olympic-style soccer team and competed in Holland against teams from around the world.
👂 She can wiggle her ears—just ask her kids!
🌴 Her dream family vacation is returning to Cabo, where she spent time with her grandparents growing up.

🏫 Why Mercy Prep?
Mrs. Craig is excited to partner with our teachers and families as she helps students grow academically and spiritually. She is especially thankful to serve alongside a staff that already means so much to her family and loves getting to see her own children on campus every day.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Craig to the Mercy Prep family! 💜

Join the Mercy Prep Coaching Team!

Mercy Preparatory Academy is growing, and we're looking for passionate, Christ-centered coaches to invest in the lives of our student-athletes!

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

🏐 Junior High Volleyball Coach
🏀 Head Basketball Coach
🏀 Junior High Boys Basketball Coach
🏀 Junior High Girls Basketball Coach

At Mercy Prep, coaching is about more than wins and losses—it's an opportunity to disciple students, build character, encourage teamwork, and help young athletes grow in confidence, leadership, and faith.

If you have coaching experience, a heart for mentoring students, and a desire to be part of a mission-driven Christian school community, we'd love to hear from you.

To learn more or apply, please contact Coach Buckley-Tessem at:
[email protected]

Come help us build champions on the court and Christ-centered leaders for life!