Seventy years ago, a few concerned parents decided bus rides and extended school days were not for their small children. Miss Elizabeth L. Noland, a gifted and experienced teacher, was asked to teach these students. Gloucester County Day School was born, a cooperative non-profit organization aimed at a quality education.
Thirteen pupils under the direction of Miss Noland attended school in an apartment on “Lawyers’ Row” in the Gloucester Courthouse area in 1949. The Day School moved to Long Bridge Ordinary in 1950 and again moved in 1953 to the American Legion Post on Route 17. The school was housed here for a decade. The old “Wan” store was purchased in 1962 and was added onto in 1964 as Gloucester County Day School’s campus grew.
After Noland’s retirement in 1972, Mrs. Elliott Moorman served as headmistress for four years. In 1976, The Day School was fortunate in procuring Mrs. Catesby Jones. This period was a renaissance for the school. There was a revamping of the financial structure; reorganization of the board of trustees; expansion of community relationships; renovations to the facility; and updating the curriculum led by Mrs. Jones and Admiral Ben B. Pickett. Mrs. Andrew J. Billups Jr. accepted the role of headmistress in 1978.
A new era of growth and change began in 1985 when Gloucester County Day School became Ware Academy. Charles Isbell served as the school’s first headmaster from 1985 until April 1986. Norma Thomas, a longtime teacher, became headmistress. During Mrs. Thomas’s tenure (1986-2004) Ware Academy became accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. Pickett Hall, named in honor of Rear Admiral Ben Pickett; Kilborn complex; a preschool wing; Thomas Hall; as well as Hicks Media Center made Mrs. Thomas’s and the board of trustees’ vision for the school a reality.
Thomas L. Thomas III assumed the position of head of school in 2004. Mr. Thomas’s vision was to bring Ware Academy into the 21st century. Under his direction, the mission statement was rewritten, and the school’s philosophy centered on providing a developmentally appropriate education which embodies the development of mind, body, and character. Many facility upgrades were made during his tenure. Improvements were made to the gymnasium, adding a new surface and bleachers. Mr. Thomas and the board of trustees were instrumental in the development of a strategic Master Facilities Plan for Ware’s future.
As Ware Academy completes its search for a new head of school, Dawn Fleet, interim head of school, will carry Ware Academy into its 70th anniversary year. Since Mr. Thomas left in June, Fleet has overseen the construction of the first phase of the school’s Master Facilities Plan. Through this project, a Primary Pod has been developed with appropriate-sized classrooms that are more conducive to small-group differentiated instruction that allows for movement. The relocation of classes will allow for an improved technology lab. This new classroom provides an area for collaboration and a separate Makerspace.
Though Ware has experienced change throughout 7 decades, core values remain a constant.
“Our 70th year gives us a chance to celebrate our founding, reflect on our success, and imagine our next 70 years,” said Fleet.
Ware Academy is pleased to announce several events celebrating this important milestone in the Gloucester community. The Community Color 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, September 14, at 9 a.m. on campus. Family-friendly activities, as well as tours of the new facility, will take place after the race. Photos and memorabilia will be on display.
Ware Academy’s annual auction and gala, “Celebrating 70,” on November 9 will commemorate Ware’s journey from that one-room schoolhouse to the school it is today. Ware welcomes the community, past and present students, faculty, administrators, trustees and friends to honor its past, celebrate the present, and envision the future.
Please contact the school at 804-693-3825 for more information or email frontoffice@wareacademy.org.
