Upper School Grades 9-12
Our students are passionate about learning and motivated to excel. We value community and support an environment where students are celebrated for who they are.
Academic Approach
Signature Programs
Meet Ms. Atherly
Lura Jo Atherly was born and raised in the Wichita area, graduating from Derby High School in 1984. She attended Kansas State University graduating with a BS in Elementary Education in 1988. Returning to Wichita after graduation, Ms. Atherly worked in the Wichita Public Schools (WPS) for 34 years serving as a teacher, learning coach and administrator. She earned her Masters in School Leadership from Newman University and her ESOL endorsement from Kansas State University in 2005.
In her time with WPS, Ms. Atherly worked in a variety of school settings and roles. She was involved in the development of the Pre IB program at Robinson Middle School and the rebranding of Jardine STEM and Career Explorations Academy that has received national recognition for their work with Magnet School of America. As a result of her work at Jardine, Ms. Atherly was awarded the Magnet Schools of America Region VII Principal of the Year Award in 2016, the Kansas Association of Secondary Schools Principals Area IV Middle School Principal of the Year 2018, the Kansas Association of Middle Level Administrators Exemplary Principal of the Year 2019 and the Kansas Association of Middle Level Administrators Principal of the Year in 2019.
Ms. Atherly has been involved in several community organizations while in Wichita. She is a Sustaining Member of the Junior League of Wichita, has served on the Board of Director for Arts Partners and received the Community Excellence Award from the Love Your Community Organization. Ms. Atherly is an avid K-Stater and mom to fur babies Scooter and Penny.