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The Grove School Announces New Heads of Schools in Plano and Cary

After an in-depth interview process, The Grove School, which incorporates traditional curriculum with social purpose and healthy lifestyle education into daily activities, identified two credentialed individuals to lead its inaugural locations. In the Head of School role, Dr. Andersen and DeSpain will support The Grove School and the guiding principles behind its philosophy. The leadership position requires both visionary and managerial abilities, as its leaders embrace the school's mission and play an active role in the parent and children's experience, employee growth and school development. The Head of School will also be very involved in the day-to-day supervision of the school staff, providing constant and consistent guidance mapping to the school's unique principles and goals.

Dr. Andersen's qualifications include Ed.D., Ed.S. and M.S. degrees in literary science and educational technology, and a B.S. in computer science. He also taught Spanish, English, math and technology in public schools, was an adjunct professor of digital-video editing, and served as a principal and superintendent of several schools. With seven children of his own, Dr. Andersen is a natural educator and leader both at work and in his personal life. In addition to this extensive education experience, Dr. Andersen has also worked as a software developer and is an award-winning photojournalist.

After receiving her M.S. in elementary education, specializing in special education, her B.S. in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on reading in the teaching field and Principal's Certificate, DeSpain has worked in various roles, from teacher to principal, within Plano's school district. With 14 years in the field, DeSpain was most recently the No Child Left Behind coordinator in the Plano Independent School District in its Department of Assessment & Accountability. She was also a third grade teacher, as well as a science and math teacher to elementary students, involved with Plano Principal's Association for several years as a Board member and President and assisted in curriculum development in Plano Independent School District. In addition to working with hundreds of children throughout Texas, DeSpain has three children of her own and 25 nieces and nephews.

Quotes from The Grove School:

"Both Scott and Wendy have varied, valuable and extensive experience in education," said Ty Durekas, president, The Grove School. "We are confident as Head of School in the Cary and Plano locations, they will help us achieve our goals of offering parents and children a sustainable learning environment with research-based curriculum focusing on nutrition and a sense of community, as well as the structure and concepts presented in traditional elementary schools. We are excited to have these extremely credentialed leaders help bring The Grove School's healthy mind, body and planet philosophy to the Plano and Cary communities."

"Joining The Grove School team has been a wonderful and enlightening experience," said Dr. Scott Andersen, Cary's Head of School, The Grove School. "I am excited for the opportunity to work with such passionate and smart people. The enthusiasm among this group is contagious."

"I have been immersed in education in Texas for the past 14 years and am thrilled to be a part of this innovative new preschool," said Wendy DeSpain, Plano's Head of School, The Grove School. "The combination of traditional curriculum with topics on social responsibility is an ideal learning environment for today's children and will produce students well prepared for K-12 schooling. It is something for which I have great passion and can confidently support and advocate."

About The Grove School

The Grove School , opening January 2010, immerses children age 2 to 5 years old in extraordinary educational opportunities that nourish a lifelong healthy mind and body while connecting them more fully with the world around them. With a research-based curriculum and socially conscious learning environment and activities, The Grove School offers a fresh approach to preschool education. The school is currently located in Plano, Texas, and Cary, N.C., with plans to expand to additional communities in 2010.

The Grove School is now accepting applications for admission. Learn more and ask questions at www.groveschool.com.

Edelman
Brooke Dale, 503-471-6822
Brooke.Dale@edelman.com