Nancy Davies is both a lifelong learner and educator. She has been fascinated by how people learn, what makes them want to learn, and the process of learning since her childhood. Ms. Davies pursued her passion by earning an undergraduate degree in English from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She taught for many years in public and independent schools at the elementary, middle and secondary levels and during those years used her experience and research to develop strategies on how best to educate children. Those successful years spent teaching and learning led to the founding of the Orchard House School in 1998.
Ms. Davies developed a particular interest in how best to nurture and educate middle school girls. She is deeply interested in bringing the best in each girl forward and helping each girl to discover and feel confident in her authentic self. In 1994, Ms. Davies was awarded a grant from the Jesse Ball DuPont Foundation that allowed her to further research the development of middle school girls and the most effective strategies for educating them. As a result, Orchard House School continues to thrive, and Ms. Davies has emerged as a leading national expert in developing curricula and learning environments where girls flourish.
Ms. Davies is an experienced and sought-after speaker, having lectured at the University of Richmond, the College of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, and the American Association of University Women, among others. She has received many notable awards, among them a Klingenstein Heads Fellowship, a prestigious award for heads of school from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, and a 2010 Alumni of the Year award from St. Andrews Presbyterian College. She was named as one of the “Influential Women of Virginia, Class of 2011” by Virginia Lawyers Media. This awards program recognizes the outstanding efforts of women in the commonwealth in all fields and honors those who are making notable contributions to their chosen profession, their communities, and society at large.
Ms. Davies remains committed to the education and inspiration of middle school girls as well as to their personal success and contributions to their local and global communities as they grow. As a result, Orchard House School continues to blossom as a learning environment, an educational model, and a resource to others.