About Kenley
Kenley School was founded by Catherine Kenley in 1971. Mrs. Kenley, a professor of education at Abilene Christian University, knew that some bright children needed to be taught in a different way in order to reach their potential. Until her death in 1975 she worked to realize the dream that is reflected in the school's motto..."If a child doesn't learn the way he is taught, we teach him the way he learns."
In 1975, Rosalind Shields reestablished Kenley School with 14 students in the education building at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. After several years the school moved to its present location, and grew to 69 students in 2002. Through the years, many people have helped with financial contributions, wisdom, love and hard work. In this time hundreds of children learned to love school, made friends and have become successful. None of it would have been possible without the dedication, commitment and leadership of Rosalind Shields Buffaloe.
Marianne Kwiecinski became the Director of Kenley School in 2004. Before serving as Director, Marianne taught at Kenley as a teacher of the seventh and eighth grades for 27 years. During her leadership from 2004 to 2015, Kenley underwent major changes of better technology support, curricula, and programs for students with diverse instructional needs. In 2013, Kenley was accredited by AdvanED/SACS (Southern Association Colleges and Schools).
Upon the retirement of Marianne in 2015, Qi Hang, who had worked at Kenley for more than 7 years, most of the time as teacher of the sixth and seventh grades moved into the role of Director where she remained until her retirement in the summer of 2022.
In the fall of 2022, Rick Cason assumed the role of Director of Kenley School. The 2023-2024 school year will be Rick’s 12th year at Kenley, previously serving as Office Manager.
Kenley School remains committed to the vision and dream of Catherine Kenley. In the 2022-2023 school year Kenley School renewed its accreditation from the Cognia World Commission. Kenley School will always be dedicated to helping every student reach his or her fullest potential.