After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Sophocles as the permanent Head of School for Wye River Upper School, effective immediately. 

Over the past year, Mrs. Sophocles has served with distinction as Interim Head of School, providing strong and steady leadership during a time of transition at our school. As a founding teacher at Wye River, Nicole has been a cornerstone of our school community since our founding twenty-three years ago. With Nicole’s intimate understanding of our school’s values, combined with her long service and history of innovative thinking, she will continue to guide Wye River Upper School as we build upon our strong foundation and pursue new areas of opportunity for our School. 

Nikki Williams, Wye River Upper School Board Chair, states, “Mrs. Sophocles has helped to shape Wye River with deep dedication, vision, and a steadfast faithfulness to our mission. Her leadership has been characterized by transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students. The overwhelming support expressed by faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni made it clear to the Board of Trustees and the Search Committee that Nicole is the right person to lead our School into the future.” 

Mrs.Sophocles holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Miami, a Master of Education from The University of Maryland, a Certificate in Independent School Leadership from Johns Hopkins University, and teaching certification in Biology. She has nearly twenty-five years of experience in classroom instruction, outdoor education, and school leadership. Mrs. Sophocles resides in Annapolis, MD, with her three children and husband. 

About Wye River Upper School: 

At Wye River Upper School in Centreville, Maryland, we reimagine the high school experience for bright students who learn differently. Serving grades 8–12, we deliver a challenging college preparatory program within a small, supportive setting. Our approach empowers students to discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for success beyond high school. Our supportive environment is designed for students with learning differences, ADHD, and unique learning profiles. 

Wye River Upper School invites regional experts and advocates in the fields of education, neuroscience, and psychology to a Professionals Breakfast on Thursday, May 9th at 8:30 a.m.

Guests will learn more about how WRUS’s 8th-grade and high school program impacts the lives of students with learning differences before taking a tour of campus in Centreville’s historic armory building and Middendorf MakerSpace.

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.wyeriverupperschool.org/events or by emailing katielillard@wyeriverupperschool.org.

About Wye River Upper School

Wye River Upper School is an independent high school serving the strengths and needs of bright students with learning differences. Located in Centreville, MD, Wye River is approximately 20 minutes east of the Bay Bridge. For more information about the school, contact admissions@wyeriverupperschool.org or call 443-262-8267.

Wye River Upper School is excited to announce the continuation of our new 8th-grade program. In September of 2023, WRUS welcomed the first class of middle school students in a pilot progam designed to strengthen highs school readiness and to ease transition anxiety to high school. This successful program cultivates the social emotional and exectuive function skills in preparation for high school entrance.

Please join Wye River Upper School students and staff on January 25th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. for an Open House event. Learn more about how our program changes the lives of students who learn differently through academic interventions and flexible pacing within a supportive environment.

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Contact Director of Enrollment and Communcation, Katie Lillard, at 443-262-8267 or at [email protected] with any questions. Families of prospective students are encouraged to register for this event in advance at www.wyeriverupperschool.org/events.

Wye River Upper School, a leading institution in providing exceptional education and support for students with learning differences, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michele DeFreece as its newest board member.

Michele DeFreece is an accomplished leader with a deep commitment to education and a strong track record of community involvement. Her passion for empowering students with diverse learning needs aligns perfectly with Wye River Upper School’s mission to provide a transformative educational experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michele DeFreece to our board of trustees,” said Nikki Williams, Chair of the Board at Wye River Upper School. “Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the education community make her an invaluable addition to our team. Michele shares our vision for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education, and we look forward to her contributions in guiding our school’s growth and success.”

Michele DeFreece has an impressive background in education advocacy and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education/Elementary Education from Fitchburg State College and a Master of Education in Student Development in Higher Education from Howard University. Her career has been marked by a commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity in education. Michele has over thirty years of progressively responsible academic and student affairs leadership experience in higher education. She also has expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic, assessment, and retention plans.

“I am honored to join the Wye River Upper School community and serve on its board of trustees,” said Michele DeFreece. “Wye River Upper School has a remarkable reputation for its commitment to providing a supportive and empowering learning environment for students with learning differences. I am eager to contribute to the school’s continued growth and success, ensuring that even more students benefit from its exceptional programs.”

Wye River Upper School has pioneered transforming students’ lives with learning differences for 21 years. The school’s dedicated faculty and staff and its board of trustees are committed to fostering academic excellence, self-advocacy, and lifelong learning for every student.

Michele DeFreece’s appointment as a board member reaffirms Wye River Upper School’s dedication to delivering the highest quality education and student support. Her passion for education, community engagement, and expertise will undoubtedly be a driving force in furthering the school’s mission.

For media inquiries, please contact Katie Lillard, Dir. of Enrollment and Communications, [email protected], 443.262.8267.