DID YOU KNOW?
Over a five-year period, students’ SAT scores averaged 1,260 points compared to the national average of 1,000 points.
Typically, 20 percent of a Charles Wright graduating class are National Merit Scholars or Commended Students.
No South Sound school, public or private, offers more Advanced Placement courses than we do.
Minority students account for 28 percent of the student body.
In the last decade, Charles Wright students consistently earned top honors among the State of Washington’s journalism students.
Charles Wright grants over $1.3 million in financial assistance to 21% of the student body.
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Rudy Ford
Middle School Head
Rudy Ford is the Middle School Head. He was appointed in 2011 and brought to CWA more than 20 years experience as a teacher, coach and administrator.
“Charles Wright Academy emerged as the right choice because I knew I would be working with the right people. The welcome I received during my time with you continues to warm me to this day, and my excitement grows with each passing moment,” says Ford.
Before joining the CWA community, Ford served as Head of Middle School for Dedham Country Day School in Massachusetts and worked at three other independent schools. He graduated from Williams College and has done graduate work at Loyola College in Baltimore.
In a letter to parents shortly after his appointment, Ford shared this story about his approach to leadership:
“I recently had the pleasure of attending the home opener of Dedham Country Day’s Middle School baseball team. As I approached the field, a 7th grader turned as he heard whispers from his teammates that I had come to watch the game. ‘Thanks for showing up,’ he said with a smile that turned to a laugh as I made a face at him.
“I sat at first among the parents who had gathered on the bleachers—taking time to exchange greetings, field a question or two, and quietly assure a mother that her son had done fine after having been out sick the previous day. A member of the faculty drew me into a conversation about the rehearsal schedule for the upcoming 6th grade play, and a father whispered confirmation of our meeting later that week to talk about his daughter. I spent the final inning sitting on the bench with the team—cheering as our pitcher got out of a jam by turning a double play, sharing sunflowers seeds with the boys, talking with two of my students about the upcoming math test, and making an appointment with another for early morning extra help the next day. The game ended shortly thereafter, and DCD had earned the first win of the season. I left knowing that my time at the baseball field had been the most important hour of my workday—and the type of hour that brings my greatest joy as a school leader.”
On a personal level, Rudy enjoys singing, playing the guitar, golf, and tennis. He has been a Boston Red Sox fan since 1984.
“Charles Wright Academy emerged as the right choice because I knew I would be working with the right people. The welcome I received during my time with you continues to warm me to this day, and my excitement grows with each passing moment,” says Ford.
Before joining the CWA community, Ford served as Head of Middle School for Dedham Country Day School in Massachusetts and worked at three other independent schools. He graduated from Williams College and has done graduate work at Loyola College in Baltimore.
In a letter to parents shortly after his appointment, Ford shared this story about his approach to leadership:
“I recently had the pleasure of attending the home opener of Dedham Country Day’s Middle School baseball team. As I approached the field, a 7th grader turned as he heard whispers from his teammates that I had come to watch the game. ‘Thanks for showing up,’ he said with a smile that turned to a laugh as I made a face at him.
“I sat at first among the parents who had gathered on the bleachers—taking time to exchange greetings, field a question or two, and quietly assure a mother that her son had done fine after having been out sick the previous day. A member of the faculty drew me into a conversation about the rehearsal schedule for the upcoming 6th grade play, and a father whispered confirmation of our meeting later that week to talk about his daughter. I spent the final inning sitting on the bench with the team—cheering as our pitcher got out of a jam by turning a double play, sharing sunflowers seeds with the boys, talking with two of my students about the upcoming math test, and making an appointment with another for early morning extra help the next day. The game ended shortly thereafter, and DCD had earned the first win of the season. I left knowing that my time at the baseball field had been the most important hour of my workday—and the type of hour that brings my greatest joy as a school leader.”
On a personal level, Rudy enjoys singing, playing the guitar, golf, and tennis. He has been a Boston Red Sox fan since 1984.
