Vicky Virnich

Principal

I am honored to start my 3rd year as Principal of Compassion Road Academy! I started in Denver Public Schools as an English teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in 2007 and taught every grade level. In 2015 I became an AP at JFK before moving to be an AP at South in 2017.

I specifically sought out a job at Compassion Road Academy because I was drawn to the small class sizes, mental health support for students and close-knit staff. I let people know all the time how much I love my job and consider myself lucky to work with our amazing students, staff and families.

As a school leader, I have supervised every academic content area, special education, the mental health teams and counseling. This varied experience is valuable in a small school, where leaders must be flexible and have the knowledge to take on various roles. Those who work with me — supervisors, peers, students or staff — describe me as a hard worker; I am ready to put in the same effort expected of my teams.

I have been a presenter and a panelist at state and national conferences, including the Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health, the Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society, American Academy of Pediatrics and the School Based Health Alliance.

I am a proud DPS parent! All four of my children attended various Denver Public Schools from ECE through 12th grade. My kids had unique learning styles, successes and challenges. I made sure to research all options to ensure each of them was at the Denver Public School which would best meet their individual needs; traditional comprehensive high schools are not the right fit for every student. This is what drew me to Compassion Road Academy! Every student should have the “support they deserve to pursue the dreams of their heart.” When I am not at work, I love spending time with my family, walking, reading, doing yoga and playing Mah Jongg.