George School Appoints Its First Black Head Of School

November 13, 2023

Justin Brandon has been named the first Black head of school at the George School, a private Quaker boarding and day high school in Middletown Township.

The announcement was made earlier this month by the school’s Board of Trustees.

Brandon, currently the associate head of school at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina, will start his new role as the tenth head of school on July 1.

Brandon’s appointment comes after a thorough search process that started last spring.

“We are thrilled that he has accepted the appointment and look forward to working with him to ensure a successful transition over the next several months,” the school statement said.

The process involved input from the school community.

Brandon was chosen for his alignment with Quaker values, collaborative decision-making skills, and his ability to unify the community.

His appointment makes history for the school, which has never had a Black head of school.

“I am honored and excited to be named the next Head of George School,” said Brandon. “My wife and I felt a strong sense of community as soon as we arrived on campus and throughout our visit. I appreciated the authentic conversations I had with students, faculty, staff, parents and caregivers, alumni, and members of the Board of Trustees. I look forward to continuing those conversations as I learn more about the history and traditions that make George School a very special community.”

The George School campus. File photo.
Credit: LevittownNow.com

The new head of school previously held positions at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago and Moorestown Friends School in New Jersey.

Holding a Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Arts from Macalester College, Brandon brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Doreen Kelly, head of Ravenscroft School, praised Brandon’s contributions and expressed confidence in his fit for the George School.

“Justin has done a remarkable job at Ravenscroft and I have no doubt that he and his beautiful family will be a wonderful fit for George School. I have every confidence that, together, you will continue to lift up the important mission of developing citizen scholars as students continue to treasure learning,” Kelly said.