About WCS Founder

The Wright Community School is a 6th-12th grade charter school approved by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, open to all middle and high school students in Clayton, DeKalb, and Henry Counties. As a post-secondary exploration school, we create a unique space for students to discover who they are, empowered by our mission to empower students to grow, explore, and excel – “The WRIGHT Way.”

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER:

At The Wright Community School, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Our founder and CEO, Tiana Stephenson, is a living example of that belief. Inspired by her grandmother, Mable Jeanette Wright, Tiana has dedicated her life to creating a school where every student feels valued, heard, and seen.

Growing Up with Grandma Mable

Tiana's love for learning started at a young age, thanks to her grandmother, Mable. Mable taught Tiana how to multiply, how to read deeply, and how to see school as a gateway to a better life. When Mable passed away, Tiana's life became challenging, but school remained her safe place. It was there that she felt consistent support and recognition.

Tiana's Educational Journey

Tiana attended an independent charter school where she began an internship in the sixth grade, sparking her interest in discovering who she was and what she liked. Even when life got tough, Tiana never stopped going to school. When she was 16, she was attacked by a family member and almost died. She moved out of her home for a while, and Child Services provided her with a case worker and therapist to help. Despite this, she continued to attend school without interruption. The foundation laid by her grandmother, the support from her older sisters and her belief in something greater helped her stay strong.

A Turn to Teaching

After pursuing a master's degree in journalism, Tiana discovered her true calling in education. She was surprised to find that many students in a top school's after-school program were struggling readers, while volunteering at the program. This revelation led her to switch to a master’s in education and begin teaching at Mastery Charter School in Philadelphia. There, she worked with older students and realized how difficult it was to close educational gaps that had formed early in their schooling.

Leading with Vision

Tiana moved to Atlanta to be part of a turnaround elementary school, gaining firsthand experience in how charter schools can transform communities. Later, as the executive director overseeing three schools in Fulton County, she focused on understanding students' and parents' needs more deeply, asking "Why?" more than "What?" when addressing behavioral and academic issues.

Founding The Wright Community School

Driven by her experiences and her grandmother's teachings, Tiana founded The Wright Community School with a focus on community co-design. She spent almost two years listening to what families wanted in a school, which shaped the school’s approach to education. The school emphasizes:

  • The WRIGHT Village: Ensuring every student has a mentor and advisor to support both their academic and personal growth.

  • The WRIGHT Path: Offering flexible learning pathways that allow students to explore their interests and remove the fear of failure.

  • The WRIGHT Culture: Building a community-focused environment that uses restorative practices to address and resolve conflicts.

Tiana’s Commitment

Today, Tiana's mission is to ensure that all students at The Wright Community School have the opportunities to find their passions and learn in a supportive environment. She believes in empowering students to make a difference in their community and beyond.

“My grandmother taught me the value of education and the importance of nurturing the potential in others,” says Tiana. "At The Wright Community School, we will put those lessons into practice every day, making sure our students not only learn but also feel respected and valued."

Tiana’s journey from a young student finding solace in education to the leader of a school is a testament to her commitment to change lives through learning. At The Wright Community School, Tiana continues to spread the message that education is a powerful tool for lifting individuals and communities.