RYE — Students, alumni, faculty, local officials and supporters gathered recently to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Williams Bridge Academy. Established in 1984 as Learning Skills Academy, the school offers specialized education to students in grades 3-12 with language and learning differences. WBA was recently renamed following a student-led rebranding initiative that also honors the school’s founder, Bill Carpenter.
The anniversary celebration also included the dedication of the school’s newest addition to campus, a greenhouse that will provide year-round education and enrichment opportunities for students. The greenhouse was dedicated in memory of four, well-loved members of the WBA community: the school’s first student, Billy Carpenter, class of 2015 graduate Nicholas Farago, singer/songwriter Bill Staines, and former Board member Paul Whitcomb.
Founders Bill (right) and Ginny (left) Carpenter joined Williams Bridge Academy Executive Director Karen Staines (center) to celebrate the school’s 40th year of providing special education to students from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
Serving just six students in its first year, today WBA serves approximately 60 students each year from southeast and central New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts, and southern Maine. The school is approved by the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Departments of Education for the provision of special education and related services.
Over the years, WBA has expanded its facilities to accommodate a growing student body and enhanced academic offerings. These expansions have included the renovation of a suite of offices to establish a dedicated Upper School and the addition of highly skilled staff members. In addition to classroom learning, students regularly participate in field studies and overnight experiences for grades 7-12.
WBA’s partnerships with local universities, including Franklin Pierce University, Granite State College, and the University of New Hampshire, have provided a strong foundation for future educators and speech language professionals. Through internships and mentorship programs, many of these newly trained professionals have joined the WBA staff, bringing in new perspectives and enhancing the school’s commitment to students’ success.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Williams Bridge Academy celebrates 40 years of special education
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