Meet the Principal
My name is Elena Ryan, and I am proud to be entering my fifth year as the principal of Marie Murphy School. It has been a joy and an honor to lead this incredible community of learners, educators, and families. Over the past four years, I have come to deeply appreciate what makes Marie Murphy so special: our dedicated staff, curious and compassionate students, and a school culture rooted in belonging, collaboration, and academic excellence.
Before joining District 37, I spent eleven years teaching at Attea Middle School in Glenview District 34, followed by two years as a district coordinator and instructional coach. I hold a Bachelor’s in Music Education from DePaul University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Prior to leading Marie Murphy, I served as the assistant principal of Harper and Romona Elementary Schools in Wilmette District 39.
As both an educator and a parent of two school-aged children, I know how important a strong home-to-school connection is in supporting the whole child. At Marie Murphy, we are committed to nurturing each student’s academic, social, and emotional development. It is a privilege to partner with you on this journey. Together, we can continue to do great things for our students!
Welcome to Marie Murphy
Welcome to Marie Murphy
Marie Murphy School in Wilmette offers the best of both middle school and junior high models, creating a learning environment that is rigorous, responsive, and grounded in the developmental needs of young adolescents. We are united in our mission: to ensure that every student is challenged and engaged in the learning process to the fullest extent possible. Supporting the district’s goal to inspire curiosity, cultivate academic growth, and nurture diversity.
Our building is home to approximately 220 students, representing over 20 nationalities. This diversity enriches our classrooms with meaningful dialogue, authentic global perspectives, and a shared commitment to empathy and understanding. Students are encouraged to engage in service projects that connect them to local and global communities, helping them grow as thoughtful, civically engaged individuals.
Marie Murphy’s success is driven by collaborative teacher teams who are dedicated to innovative curriculum design, instructional best practices, and the wellbeing of every learner. Our schedule is built around core academic classes in English-Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, complemented by daily instruction in Physical Education, World Languages, and Allied Arts; including music, art, creative writing, and theater.
We are committed to creating transformative learning experiences by fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity in every classroom. Technology plays an essential role in this vision, with each student receiving a district device to support meaningful collaboration and digital fluency.
Our students consistently excel across a wide range of endeavors, from academic assessments to Science Olympiad, fine arts, athletics, and clubs. We celebrate a culture of growth, curiosity, and excellence in all that we do.
Thank you for being part of our Marie Murphy community. We are excited to continue growing together.
Sincerely,
Elena Ryan
Principal, Marie Murphy School
[email protected]