
From College Prep to Digital Academy
Yamei Academy of Excellence began as a 501(c)(3) public charity organization (TAX ID# 82-4273263) specializing in international student counseling, helping high school students navigate the college admissions process.
A mission that grew from counseling into a school
Yamei Academy of Excellence began as a 501(c)(3) public charity with a clear purpose: helping high school students navigate the often overwhelming college admissions process. We started by serving Asian American, international, and local students—many of whom were at-risk youth facing significant familial and educational pressures, and many who needed bilingual support in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
But we quickly noticed a troubling pattern. Talented, motivated students were falling through the cracks. Even with strong college prep, they lacked a personalized, self-directed learning environment where they could truly breathe and grow.
That realization changed everything.
We developed a self-motivation system designed not just to boost grades, but to build confidence and uncover each student's innate strengths. We proved that when students believe in themselves, they pursue success differently—and they achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Today, Yamei Academy of Excellence has evolved into a hybrid school that offers the best of both worlds: rigorous, accredited online curriculum paired with in-person and virtual support, tutoring, and community engagement.
Board of Directors


Jerry Liang

Alden (Peng) Sun

Dr. Brian Wang

Dr. John Zhiyu Jiang
Founders & Administration

Annie Xiang
Founder & Head of School
Annie is the Founder and Executive Director of Yamei Academy. She has 26 years of experience working in the educational field. She is a licensed bilingual school counselor and holds a master degree in Applied Psychology at NYU.
She leads the school with a vision to create personalized learning experiences that empower students to discover their passions and become confident global citizens.
axiang@yameiacademy.org
Department Heads

Emily Sebring
Director of Student Success
Emily holds a degree from Western International University and brings over 10 years of experience in education, with expertise in digital learning.
She partners with families and faculty to remove barriers to learning, amplifies student voice, and collaborates with teachers to develop strategies for student success. She also leads accreditation efforts and works with developers to enhance the school's learning and information systems.
esebring@yameiacademy.org

Stephanie Gao
Director of Admission & School Counselor
Stephanie holds a master degree in Educational Counseling at USC. She guides families through the enrollment process and is passionate about welcoming students ready to discover their strengths.
She works closely with students to understand their individual interests and talents, analyzes data to develop personalized strategies, and serves as school counselor with deep cultural awareness to support families on their academic journey.
sgao@yameiacademy.org

Niu Liu
Director of Athletics
Niu is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, and a former national-level basketball player.
She brings expertise in international education, brand development, and program management. She develops athletic programs that build character, resilience, and school spirit through competitive sports, fitness activities, and community engagement.

Angel Chu
Director of Global Outreach & Partnership
Angel has more than 30 years of international marketing and business experience.
She builds bridges with international communities and educational organizations worldwide. She works to expand access to Yamei's bilingual, college-bound hybrid model, ensuring students everywhere can benefit from the Yamei experience.

Lucas Zheng
Director of Instruction

Michelle Tabrizi-Ortiz
Director of Instruction
Michelle holds a master degree in TESOL at Pepperdine University.
She is an accomplished educator specializing in curriculum development and educational leadership. She designs innovative programs that promote academic achievement, language development, and leadership growth, helping students build confidence and reach their full potential.