administration
The founders of BEST Skills Academy
Marquis Flemings
Marquis is a dedicated teaching professional, with extensive experience in general education, special education and child welfare. He’s served young students and their families in the Greenville area for over 20 years.
He began his career at Miracle Hill Ministries, serving as program director for a boys’ foster care group home. After eight years, Marquis moved to the Greenville County school district, working as a transition liaison.
He also provided special education students with individual and group vocational counseling, and taught in local group homes for five years.
In 2016, Marquis joined Einstein Academy as a special education teacher. One year later, he returned to the Greenville County school district, working as a behavioral specialist and school administrator at West Greenville School.
During this period, he developed and implemented new behavior management strategies and support systems for students. In 2019, Marquis decided it was time to formalize this approach and founded BEST Skills Academy.
He’s a native of Greenville and married with one adult son. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in special education and school leadership.
Robert McKenzie Jr.
Mentoring Program Director
Robert brings a unique perspective to his work at BEST, with experience in the Marine Corps, healthcare and management. As Mentoring Program Director, he works to equip students with the skills to become
strong, independent and responsible adults.
He served in the Marines as a financial management resource analyst from 2000 to 2007 and completed a tour in Iraq. Following his medical separation from the Corps, he began a career in healthcare.
Robert worked as a registered respiratory therapist at Baptist Easley Hospital from 2010 to 2015 He then served as respiratory care clinical coordinator from 2015 to 2017.
In 2018, Robert moved into management, serving as Manager of Environmental Services for Baptist Easley and Oconee Memorial Hospital. He held this position until his passion for mentoring led him to help Marquis launch BEST in 2019.
His military and management experience combine with his leadership skills to help inspire and motivate his students. Like Marquis, Robert is drawn to work with young people who need individualized support and guidance.
He was born and raised in in Greenville and is married with two daughters. Robert has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in psychology.
The BEST programs
We combine the development of critical life skills with a private middle school, high school learning center and mentoring program. about the benefits of our instruction here.
The BEST admissions process
Our admissions process helps you and your student learn about us, while helping us learn more about you.