Meet Principal Clary Carleton

Clary began her career at Open as an English teacher in 1999. She has been principal since 2019 and is excited to serve this unique learning community in a new capacity. Originally from Norfolk, Clary received her B. A. in Art History from George Mason University and her M.A. in English Literature from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts and holds a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Richmond. Clary is a former Fellow of the Yale National Initiative to Strengthen Teaching in Public Schools and was the 2017 Richmond Public Schools Teacher of the Year. As a graduate student she volunteered at Open and fell in love with its progressive model of education which empowers teenagers to become active participants in their own learning. She still has a holistic view of adolescent learners and the skills and dispositions they need to succeed. Clary loves Open and is committed to its students, its traditions, and its continuous growth as a premier learning institution in the city of Richmond.