Johnny Spillane: Passion for Learning Comes Full Circle

Passion for learning comes full circle

Opportunity. It comes up a lot in conversation with Johnny Spillane about his experience at Emerald Mountain School, both as a former student and, now, parent of a bright-eyed, energetic kindergartener ready for the world of learning. 

Johnny was one of the first students to walk through the doors of the school founded by his mother, Nancy Spillane, more than 20 years ago. He spent seventh and eighth grades here, nurtured by a personalized education that helped him excel academically as he pursued his athletic career in Nordic Combined skiing. 

A hometown Olympic champion, Johnny is also dad to Hadley and Genevieve. When it came time to send Hadley to kindergarten, Johnny and his wife Hilary knew they wanted it to be Emerald Mountain School. "It's been a unique opportunity to watch the school evolve and be able to send her here. It's a great school and, for me, the best option available."

Most notable in Johnny's years at Emerald were the small classes and phenomenal teachers, who allowed him to move at his pace academically and enjoy his favorite subjects, math and science. His education also helped prepare him for the outside world, fostering problem solving and the ability to work well with others. "It gives you the opportunity to succeed. I'm very excited to watch Hadley grow and learn here."