History

Willow Bend Academy is a private school for gifted and talented students, students with special scheduling needs, and students who need additional academic support.

The Plano campus opened in 1998 under the name of Education Center of Plano.  However, that name was often confused with the Special Programs Center of Plano Independent School District so the name was changed to Willow Bend Academy.

Mission

Our mission is to train youth of every ability in the highest principles of leadership, academic achievement, self-discipline, individual responsibility, and consistent direction.

Willow Bend Academy, now with campuses in Plano and Lewisville, has earned a reputation as one of the leading private schools in the North Dallas area.  The Plano campus was chosen by readers of the Plano Star Courier as the best private school in Plano in 2008.

The Plano campus earned accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 2003.  The Lewisville campus was established in 2005 and earned accreditation in 2006.

Our graduates have been accepted by various schools and colleges ranging from Ivy League schools such as Cornell University to state universities including University of Texas, Austin to local community colleges and technical schools.

Leadership

Ed Pilkington, superintendent and president of WBA, holds Bachelors and Specialist Degrees in Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Masters Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. Additional graduate work has been completed at the University of Arkansas and at the University of Tulsa.

Mr. Pilkington has many years experience in teaching and education administration from elementary school through college.

Tena Pilkington, vice president and secretary, holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of North Texas.  She has over 25 years of classroom experience with both elementary and high school students including students with physical and emotional disabilities.

Connie Hayes, principal of the Lewisville campus, holds Texas principal's certification and a Masters degree in Education Administration from University of North Texas.  She also holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education from University of Tennessee.

She has a wealth of experience with adult education, college teaching, and over a decade of working with at-risk teens in middle and high school.

Tammy Booth, Chief Financial Officer joined Willow Bend Academy in 2006.  She has 30 years experience working in financial data.

She attended Texas A & M University and has been married to her husband, Archie since 1981.

Dr. Peter Berner, principal of the Plano campus holds a Masters of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Cell Biophysics from University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. 

Dr. Berner has over thirty years of teaching experience at both high school and college levels.