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Head of School

Announcing Andrew R. Bishop as Davidson Day's New Head of School




Dear Davidson Day Community,
As we approach an eagerly anticipated Spring Break, it is remarkable to realize that upon our return, we’ll be in the final stretch toward year-end celebrations, including the Class of 2024 graduation and other momentous occasions that define the spirit of our school. 
I am pleased to share that the trustees, interim Head of School, Michael Smith, and I are communicating regularly and working to ensure that the Head of School transition process is as seamless as possible. Our focus remains on honoring the school’s history, leveraging its strengths, and building upon the momentum we’ve gained throughout the year. In keeping with the promise I made in the State of School address, I am writing today to share a few thoughts about community, commitment, and continuity. 
From last October, when the thought of becoming your next head of school was still a burgeoning dream, to my recent visits to campus in January and February as your incoming Head of School, two constants have remained: how much I admire Davidson Day School’s unwavering commitment to community, and how deeply grateful I am to have the opportunity to lead a school that holds this at its center. The collective dedication of faculty, staff, trustees, parents, alumni, and administrators has created a palpable sense of purpose—an understanding that our individual efforts contribute to the greater good of our shared community. 
Since January, I have begun the rewarding process of establishing connections with the people, programs, and places that define Davidson Day’s excellence. To underscore just how rewarding these connections have been, I’d like to share a few highlights from my recent visit to campus:
 
  • Lower School morning meeting: A joyful and energetic insight into the spirit of the Lower School community. You cannot help but smile when in the presence of our youngest Patriots.
  • A before-school Middle School math help session: A testament to our faculty's commitment to student support and academic growth. One of the dozens of examples I witnessed in my short two-day visit of faculty going above and beyond for our students.
  • Academic Leadership Team meeting: The perfect example of the collaboration and excellence that happens when the right people are in the right positions. This team is a force, and I am very excited to work with them to bring new and fresh ideas to an already strong academic program.
  • Diversity Council Panel: Upper School students, faculty, and trustees, creating a space for belonging and being seen. Such opportunities underscore our community's strength and commitment to inclusion work. 
  • National Honor Society Ceremony: The pride displayed by students, faculty, and parents at this ceremony celebrating student scholarship and leadership was evident, and it was wonderful to see. 
  • Meeting with trustees and Michael Smith about strategic planning: A welcome glimpse into the initiatives shaping our school’s future for the better and their desire to ensure our school is nationally excellent. 
  • Casual conversations with parents and students: So many parents and students came up to say hello, introduce themselves, and share small parts of their Davidson Day story. These satiating interactions reminded me that I am joining a community that values relationships.
One unforgettable moment was witnessing the semi-final boys varsity basketball victory in Yates Gym—a shared triumph uniting all divisions, families, and faculty. The eruption of cheers at the final buzzer was incredible and shook the entire gym! Such moments, marked by hard work and dedication, transform goals into realities and are magical for students and their teachers, mentors, coaches, parents, and friends. 
 
It’s exciting to know another magical moment will transpire this weekend when our students perform Something Rotten in the Gordon Theater. I wish I could be there to witness our thespians beaming on stage when they take their bow to more thunderous applause from our community! Though I cannot be there, I extend my heartfelt admiration to all involved for their commitment to Davidson Day’s outstanding theater program. 
Suffice it to say, I left Davidson Day—our school and community—eagerly anticipating my next visit and all the more committed to ensuring continuity in this transition. This continuity will be achieved through deep listening. Through this simple but powerful act, I will continue to learn the many ways in which we excel, as well as understand where our community seeks growth. The Head of School's role should not be about changing who we are to suit one person’s vision or agenda; rather, it is about working with others to evolve into the best version of ourselves, ensuring our school community continues to meet the needs and aspirations of our students. 
I look forward to being in touch again at the end of March, when I’ll share more about the transition process and continue to express my hopes for the 2024-25 school year.
Yours in partnership,
 
Andrew R. Bishop
Incoming Head of School
Davidson Day School

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  • Announcement From Board Chair Takila Williams Naylor

    With great pleasure, the Board of Trustees announces the unanimous appointment of Andrew R. Bishop as Davidson Day’s next Head of School. Andrew brings 18 years of experience as an educator and leader in independent day and boarding schools. He officially begins his tenure at Davidson Day School on July 1, 2024.
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  • Introduction from Incoming Head of School Andrew R. Bishop

    I am humbled and honored to join the Davidson Day community. As your new Head of School, I come with a full heart and the promise to work in unison—with trustees and administrators, faculty and staff, students and parents—to secure our position in the pantheon of elite early childhood to grade 12 schools.
    Read More

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Davidson Day School

750 Jetton Street
Davidson, NC 28036

P: (704) 237-5200
F: (704) 896-5535
Davidson Day School is an independent private school for students 2 years old through 12th grade in the Lake Norman region of Charlotte.

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