History of the Schools

The founder of Leary School, Albert D. Leary, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, settled in northern Virginia in November 1956 following Mr. Leary's tour as a helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In September 1957, Mr. Leary accepted a position teaching seventh grade at a parochial school in Falls Church, Virginia. Mr. Leary began to supplement his income by tutoring students who needed additional help. With the support of his principal, he also started an annual summer school for underachievers at the parochial school.

Through his daily tutoring and the summer school program, Mr. Leary estimated that at least 20% of the children in the school would benefit from special help and became convinced that a small, private school with a dedicated, caring staff was the most realistic solution.

In the spring of 1964, Mr. Leary stopped by the home of a Navy captain and his wife to discuss their son. During the visit, the captain asked him what his long term plans were and Mr. Leary began to describe the private school he hoped to start "some day". When the captain asked, "What's stopping you?", Mr. Leary indicated a lack of funding. The captain immediately told Mr. Leary that he and many other parents would certainly be willing to help fund such a school.

That night, Mr. Leary and his wife discussed the idea of accepting help to found a school for underachievers, ultimately deciding to pursue it. Mr. Leary spoke with friends and many parents, finding very strong support. Following months of hard work and planning, in September 1965, Leary School opened its doors to the first 26 students in Annandale, Virginia.

In 1969, to meet the increasing needs of students who required more intensive treatment in a 24 hour a day environment, Leary Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was formed. In 1971, Leary Educational Foundation opened a residential treatment center near Winchester, Virginia. Initially named Leary Educational Center, this facility continues to operate under the name of Timber Ridge.

In 1994, Mr. Leary and Dr. Ed Schultze, long time administrator, with the support of the Leary School Board of Directors established the nonprofit Lincolnia Educational Foundation, which would allow for the long term continuation of the School and the retirement of the existing Board.

In 1996, Lincolnia Educational Foundation, Inc. opened Leary School, Prince George's County, in nearby Oxon Hill, Maryland. In 2010, Leary School, Prince George’s County merged and consolidated with its annex jobsite program located in Brandywine, Maryland. The consolidation and new name – Leary School JobSite, Brandywine, were approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Ms. Nicole Bonham is the School's Principal and Program Director.

On August 1, 1999, the Foundation purchased and merged with the Leary School, Incorporated. On August 3, Leary School of Virginia was registered as the trade name. Ms. Leigh Simpson, LCSW, serves as the Principal and Program Director of Leary School of Virginia.

During the spring of 2006, the Leary School JobSite, Loudoun County, was opened near Leesburg, Virginia. This program is located on 50 acres of the Loudoun Field Center at Glaydin. Similar to the Leary School JobSite, Fairfax County, students attending this program receive academic instruction for half the school day and then instruction and hands on experience in the construction trades during the remainder of the day. Mr. Alan Peck, M.S., is the School's Principal and Program Director.

The Foundation operates all Leary School programs: Leary School of Virginia; Leary School JobSite, Fairfax County; Leary School JobSite, Loudoun County and Leary School JobSite, Brandywine.