Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James, delivers some of Abbott Elementary's most memorable lines. Below are 4 of the best Ava Coleman quotes from Abbott Elementary, each with the scene or episode where it appears, plus 4 pieces of trivia about the character.
Best Ava Coleman Quotes
"Y'all, I could do this job in my sleep. I'm saying that as a compliment to myself."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava introducing herself as principal
"I'm not here to make friends. Actually, that's not true, I do want friends."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava's candid admission
"Every now and then I remember I'm actually in charge of children and I have a small panic attack."
— Ava Coleman, Season 2 - Ava's confessional aside
"If it's not content, I don't want it."
— Ava Coleman, Season 1 - Ava on her approach to school functions
Ava Coleman Trivia & Fun Facts
- Ava was a viral social media personality before being assigned to Abbott Elementary as principal, a role she was given largely to neutralize her online presence.
- Despite her initial self-serving attitude, Ava gradually develops a genuine fondness for the school and its students.
- She has a complicated and competitive relationship with Barbara, who represents the traditional, experienced teaching values Ava initially dismisses.
- Ava is loosely inspired by a real viral video of a school principal that co-creator Quinta Brunson encountered online.
Explore More
Read the full Ava Coleman character profile or browse all Abbott Elementary quotes.