Cottage Hill Christian Academy has released a statement after a former teacher was filmed beating her son with a belt over unfinished chores.
Nicole Staples, a 44-year-old former elementary school teacher, has been fired and arrested after a graphic video surfaced online allegedly showing her brutally beating her 12-year-old son.
In the footage, Staples is heard screaming profanities at the boy before repeatedly striking him with a folded belt, dragging him by his hair, and pushing him against a wall.
Authorities say the boy cried throughout the attack, which was captured by another person in the home.
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation after the video surfaced.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch condemned the footage, calling it “egregious.”
He said: “I’m all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them… but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline.”
He added: “There are probably more charges coming in the future. Abuse is abuse. Hopefully she will feel the full force of the law when she faces a judge," per WKRG News.
Nicole Staples was arrested after a disturbing video of her beating her child up surfaced online. Credit: Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
Family speaks out as school responds
Staples' adult son, 24-year-old Jackson, told Fox 10 News that he received the video from a younger sibling and decided to post it online.
“I didn’t feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers,” he said. “You know, she done it to me my whole life, so I’m 24.”
Jackson said the incident began over unfinished chores.
“Something about he wasn’t cleaning the kitchen like he was supposed to be, he left, went to the neighbor’s house, came back and then it transpired into that,” he explained.
The children have since been placed in the care of an aunt in Baldwin County.
Staples was booked into Metro Jail and later released on a $7,500 bond.
Video captured her quickly fleeing the jail on a golf cart after her release, the Daily Mail reported.
She has pleaded not guilty and has requested a preliminary hearing in Mobile County District Court.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy responded swiftly after learning of the off-campus incident on November 19, 2025.
In a statement, Head of School Chris Brazell said: “Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students...Although the incident did not occur on school property, the nature of the information required immediate administrative action."
"Upon learning of the alleged misconduct, the school acted swiftly and decisively, relieving the teacher of her duties and placing her on administrative leave pending a full review," they continued.
"Cottage Hill Christian Academy promptly cooperated with the City of Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, and an independent investigation was initiated."
"Following the findings of law enforcement, which determined that the teacher had engaged in improper conduct unrelated to her school responsibilities, an arrest was made and Cottage Hill Christian Academy terminated her employment in accordance with institutional policy," they said.
"We will always act promptly, transparently, and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integrity of our school community," the school added.
Staples is due back in court on Friday for a bond hearing.