The new charter school, Oxford Prep, has selected Denny Carroll as the men’s basketball coach and Teri Spence as the volleyball coach. Both of these programs will begin as Junior Varsity, as OPHS will only have 9th graders in the first year. The gymnasium at the Masonic Home for Children will be the home for these new programs, until a permanent facility is constructed in coming years.
Denny Carroll’s coaching career has taken him through all levels of Basketball, and he has left his mark at every stop. His most recent position was that of Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Purchase College. An assistant to former Army mentors Mike Krzyzewski, Pete Gaudet and Les Wothke during a five-year stint from 1979 through 1984, Carroll returned to the West Point coaching sideline as a member of Tom Miller’s Army staff from 1990 to 1993.
Following his initial stay at the Academy in the early 1980s, Carroll became head basketball coach at North Rockland High. He coached at North Rockland until the Fall of 1987, when he moved to an assistant’s position at Mount Saint Mary College.
Carroll served for four years as head basketball coach at nearby Warwick High before returning to the Academy. During his time at Warwick, Carroll compiled a 30-47 record, leading the Wildcats to a 17-6 mark in 1994-95 and their first Section 9 Class B title since 1966.
The New York native, who owns a second home in Cary, graduated from the University of Dayton in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He owns a master’s degree in secondary education from SUNY New Paltz. Carroll retired from the Warwick Valley School District – where he served as a Social Studies Teacher and Department Head – in 2006, after 27 years with the District.
Teri Spence works as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse at Maria Parham Medical Center, but has also coached a Junior Olympic team and assisted at the Vance Charter team. She earned an A.A. in nursing from Vance Granville and is enrolled in a Bachelor’s of nursing program at East Carolina University.
About OPHS:
Oxford Preparatory High School (OPHS) is an independent public charter high school that is designed to mold students into future leaders through completion of a rigorous curriculum while focusing on community service and developing an appreciation of the arts. In order to prepare each student to attend the college of his or her choice, OPHS will cultivate intellectual curiosity by engaging students in critical thinking and experiential learning. The school is committed to serving the surrounding communities of Granville and Vance Counties and to reflect the area’s diversity in terms of gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. The school will open with up to 100 ninth grade students this August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a charter school?
A: A charter school provides parents with a choice in the education of their children. The schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious association, and no tuition.
Q: How much would it cost to attend OPHS?
A: Charter schools are tuition free. Public tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools. Local, state, and federal dollars follow the child to a charter school.
Q: How is OPHS different than other schools in the area?
A: OPHS is not only centered on a college preparatory curriculum but has a unique focus on the arts and community service in order to develop well-rounded students.
Q: Do you have to live in Oxford or Granville County to attend OPHS?
A: No. As a NC charter school, Oxford Preparatory would be open to any student who is domiciled in North Carolina.
Q: Will OPHS offer athletic programs for its students?
A: Yes; at first, only a handful JV sports would be offered, but additional programs will be added with demand and availability of facilities.
Q: How can I enroll my child?
A: Applications are available on the school’s website oxfordprephs.org.
Q: How can I receive information about employment?
A: All positions, descriptions, and application procedures are posted on the school’s website oxfordprephs.org.