From almost the beginning of the Spy, we’ve taken a special interest in local schools that offer alternatives to traditional education. One reason is personal: this writer benefited greatly from a school that offered similar opportunities and knows how life-changing it can be to learn differently.
When the Spy started in 2009, Wye River Upper School, founded by Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan, was still based at Chesapeake College and searching for a permanent home. Since then, we have watched the school restore the former armory in Centreville, expand its enrollment and geographic reach, and graduate hundreds of young people who have gone on to college and careers with greater confidence in their abilities.
For our latest check-in, we spoke with newly appointed Head of School Nicole Sophocles about how education has changed in recent years and why Wye River’s small, supportive environment remains central to its mission. She talks about relationships, confidence, and creating a place where students feel comfortable taking risks, asking for help, and growing into successful young adults.
This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Wye River Upper School, please go here
