Leadership

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.