Jennie Perkins

With over 20 years of experience working with children, I bring a multidisciplinary background and a deep commitment to supporting every child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. I hold a Master of Science in Social Work, a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in Communications, and a Nursing Degree. My professional path has been diverse, encompassing both corporate, non-profit, and school settings, but my passion has always been supporting children and the environments in which they thrive. 

After working in the corporate sector, becoming a parent of four reignited my desire to return to child-centered work. That journey eventually led me to Virginia Chance School—a place where the whole child is truly at the center of learning. Although I began my time at Chance in the classroom, my desire to support children more individually led me to  Student Support. I’m inspired daily by the school’s progressive philosophy, where social-emotional development, inquiry-based learning, and integrated outdoor education are foundational, not supplementary. I believe that when children are known, heard, and supported in every layer of their development, they are empowered to flourish in meaningful and lasting ways.

My passion for progressive education is closely tied to my background in social work, where honoring the individual and nurturing intrinsic motivation are essential. I’ve seen firsthand how outdoor learning can ground students, improve focus, and strengthen relationships. I love helping children and teachers use inquiry to navigate challenges, ask thoughtful questions, and build the self-awareness that leads to lifelong confidence and resilience.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our four children, and our dog and cat. As a family, we love watching our kids play sports, traveling together, and swimming whenever possible. These experiences remind me that learning occurs everywhere—and that joy, curiosity, and connection should always be integral to the classroom.