For half a century, The Woods Academy has been shaping the minds and hearts of students, instilling in them a lifelong love of learning, a deep sense of purpose, and a commitment to leading lives of significance. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we take a moment to reflect on the impact of The Woods Academy through the journey of one of its proud alumni, Alejandra (Ale) Barazza, Class of 1985, now the President and CEO of HighScope, a leading nonprofit in early childhood education.
A Career Rooted in Purpose
Ale’s journey into education was not a conventional one. With an undergraduate degree in business, she initially pursued a career in her family’s business in Mexico. However, upon returning to the U.S., she was drawn to education. Starting as a teacher, she spent eight years in the classroom before becoming a principal for ten years. During this time, she discovered HighScope, an organization renowned for its groundbreaking research in early childhood education. Now, as its fifth president, Ale continues to champion the importance of investing in early childhood education, citing studies that show every dollar spent in early education yields a $7-$13 return for individuals and their communities.
The foundational values she learned at The Woods Academy influence her leadership in the field. “The Woods gave me a sense of commitment and purpose,” she reflects. “It was more than just academics; it was about how we treated each other, how we learned from one another, and how we were encouraged to give back.”
A Childhood of Inclusion and Belonging
Ale’s time at The Woods Academy in the 1980s was marked by a rich cultural tapestry. Her class was a blend of students from across the world—The Philippines, Australia, Peru, Colombia, Trinidad, Jamaica, Iran, and Mexico. It was a politically complex time, yet within the walls of The Woods Academy, diversity was embraced, and differences were celebrated.
“Heritage Night in second grade was a defining moment for me,” Ale recalls. “My mom made our favorite Mexican dish, and I was so proud to share my culture with my classmates. The Woods created an environment where we all learned from each other.”
Arriving in first grade without knowing a single word of English, Ale experienced firsthand the welcoming spirit of the school. She credits her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Fox, for making her feel comfortable and helping her transition. “By December, I was communicating with my classmates. Everyone was so kind—there was a deep sense of family at The Woods.”
Class of '85 at the 50th anniversary Green & White Gala.
The Teachers Who Inspired a Lifetime of Learning
Throughout her time at The Woods, Ale was influenced by exceptional educators who not only taught subjects but also instilled a love of learning and curiosity. Teachers like Mrs. Sunseri, Mrs. Burns, Mrs. Ravenscroft, and Mrs. Piwko shaped her academic journey. “Mrs. Ravenscroft opened up the world of history for us, and I still remember our field trips to Williamsburg and Jamestown.”
One of her most impactful teachers, Helen Anselmo, left such a lasting impression that Ale cited her in her doctoral dissertation. “She set the standard for the kind of teacher I wanted to be. She made learning fun, she believed in us, and she pushed us to reach our potential.”
Staying Connected and Giving Back
The Woods Academy was more than just a school—it was a community. The friendships forged during those formative years have remained strong. “The Class of 1985 was special. We spent years together, and even those who left earlier returned for our graduation. We built lifelong bonds.”
Today, Ale remains deeply connected to her classmates through a Woods WhatsApp group and is inspired by the many alumni who continue to invest in the school. “It’s incredible to see how much The Woods has grown. It started as one classroom per grade, and now it’s thriving. That speaks to the impact this school has had and continues to have.”
A Message for Today’s Students
As The Woods Academy celebrates its 50th year, Ale shares words of wisdom for current students: “Maintain the relationships you have with your classmates—support each other in life. And most importantly, find a purpose. Let that purpose drive you to do more and give back to your community.”
Ale’s journey—from a young girl moving to the United States only knowing Spanish to a leader in education—reflects the power of a nurturing, inclusive, and academically rich environment. As The Woods Academy marks this milestone, it is clear that its legacy continues to shape leaders, inspire change-makers, and prepare students to lead lives of significance.