A History of Changing Lives
As a founding faculty member of Wye River Upper School, this school and its mission hold a very special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve watched Wye River grow — expanding programs, facilities, and impact — reaching students from more than ten counties across two states. Time and again, I’ve seen our unique learning environment transform frustration into discovery and self-doubt into confidence. Witnessing those transformations is why I have dedicated my career to this community and continue to serve its mission today.
The year 2025 marks an exciting milestone for Wye River Upper School as we celebrate the history of our remarkable home — the former National Guard Armory — which was reimagined and opened to students in 2014. Within these historic walls, we’ve celebrated the retirement of our founding Head of School, Chrissy Aull (2020), welcomed our first 8th-grade class (in the fall of 2023), honored eleven graduating classes, and launched a whole Makerspace building that embodies our commitment to creativity and hands-on learning.
As I begin 2025 as a new Head of School, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has helped shape me and Wye River Upper School into the extraordinary community it is today. Thank you for all you do to support our students, our educators, and our mission. I look forward to continuing to serve students and families who are looking for a learning environment suited to the needs of all 8-12th grade students and further enhancing our school programming in the future.
Warmly,
Nicole Sophocles
Head of School
Timeline of Changing Lives
2002
Wye River Upper School was Founded by Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan
2005
Wye River's First Graduating Class
2008
Wye River Begins Looking For a New Home
2010
WRUS purchases Centreville National Guard Armory Building for school expansion and receives first AIMS Accreditation
2012
The Kathleen White Chapter National Honor Society is Established
2014
The Doors Open at the Centreville National Guard Armory Building
2017
Makerspace is Established
2019
Makerspace Opens Its Doors
2020
January: Chrissy Aull Announces Retirement
March: COVID - WRUS Goes Remote
2021
Stephanie Borges Folarin Announced as New Head of School
2022
Wye River Upper School Celebrates 20 years of changing the lives of gifted and talented students with learning differences.
2023
Wye River Upper School opens an 8th-grade
As their 8th-grade children approach middle school graduation, Chrissy Aull and Patricia McGlannan find themselves in a predicament. They were not sure which high school would serve their unique children best. There were no specialty high schools on the Eastern Shore or within its proximately that would serve their children with ADHD and anxiety, so Chrissy and Patricia decided to create the school themselves.
Beginning with nine students, three teachers, and two administrators, Wye River Upper School opened at Chesapeake College. Renting classroom space in the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center afforded the use of the college's sports fields, library and cafeteria.
The journey to changing the lives of hundreds of students who learn differently began!
13 Students Served from 2002-2003
195 Students Served from 2002-2008
Wye River Upper School held its first Commencement Ceremony at Chesapeake College with a graduating class of five students, in May 2003.
In our history, we have seen 21 graduating classes.
Wye River Upper School realized it needed a new home. With six potential sites to visit, the Board of Trustees determined the historic and abandoned Centreville National Guard Armory is the right location.
A $1,000,000 grant from The State of Maryland kicked off the Capital Campaign to purchase the building.
Wye River Upper School received enough funding to purchase the Armory building and began the remodeling work.
Wye River Upper School also earned its first AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland Schools) accreditation.
11 Graduates in the Class of 2010
272 Students Served from 2002-2010
Wye River Upper School offered students the opportunity to participate in the National Honor Society (NHS).
Students selected to be a part of the NHS are held to a standard of exemplary grades, good citizenship, service, and leadership.
15 Graduates in the Class of 2012
318 Students Served from 2002-2012
By the time the doors opened at the Armory, the Capital Campaign raised $5,500,0000 towards $6,000,000. The building transformed from an abandoned historical site to a pristine school through a determined vision and an architect with the heart and willpower to help renovate. The Armory is now home to Wye River Upper School, with intact historical integrity.
7 Graduates in the Class of 2014
408 Students Served from 2002-2014
Wye River Upper School searches for a way to offer more hands-on learning opportunities for our students. Through a generous grant from the Middendorf Foundation, the school purchased a home next to the historic Armory turned school building and began work to transform the family home into a Makerspace for students.
10 Graduates in the Class of 2017
427 Students Served from 2002-2017
Wye River Upper School opened the doors to the Middendorf MakerSpace!
The MakerSpace offers students the opportunity to build, create, design, and learn through hands-on learning and real-life problem-solving. Students learn woodworking, metalworking, culinary skills, sewing, laser cutting, 3D printing, and much more in this space.
The Middendorf MakerSpace would not be possible without the generosity of The Middendorf Foundation, Grayce B. Kerr Fund, Inc., and the individual supporters of Wye River Upper School.
12 Graduates in the Class of 2019
668 Students Served from 2002-2019
After 18 years of building and evolving Wye River Upper School, Chrissy Aull announced her retirement as the Head of School.
She remains a beloved member of our community.
Our in-person learning had to transition to virtual education during the global pandemic, so our staff worked quickly and innovatively to build virtual classrooms that worked for our unique students.
8 Graduates in the Class of 2020
738 Students Served from 2002-2020
After an extensive executive leadership search, Stephanie Borges Folarin was named the new Head of School starting in the 2021-2022 school year.
When she discovered Wye River Upper School, Stephanie says it was her "dream school" come to life.
Her extensive experience in special education, curriculum design, and program enhancement makes her the perfect leader to steer the school into the future. In addition to her strong background in education, Stephanie brings a passionate heart for students with learning differences - as well as a fresh perspective to our school's path forward. Her contagious positivity and energy continue to bring Wye River to new heights.
11 Graduates in the Class of 2021
797 Students Served from 2002-2021
18 Graduates in the Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 marked the 19th graduating class at Wye River Upper School - and the largest graduating class to date!
18 Graduates in the Class of 2022
827 Total Students Served Across 20 Years
Senator Adelaide Eckardt presented an official citation on behalf of the The Maryland General Assembly on the evening of October 1, 2022 in recognition of Wye River Upper School's 20 years of dedication to changing the lives of students with learning differences through quality education tailored to each student's own unique talents and ambition.
After years of research and conversations, Wye River Upper School expanded its offerings to include 8th grade. In September 2023, the 8th grade officially opened, welcoming 9 students into the first 8th grade class.
9 Graduates in the Class of 2024
847 Total Students Served Across 20 Years