Historic Selection Of New Leader For George School

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA —The George School, a Quaker boarding and day school for high school students, has named its 10th Head of School, the first African American in the school's history.

Justin Brandon will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024, the George School's Board of Trustees said.

Brandon’s selection follows a comprehensive and spirit-led process that began in Spring 2023.

Finalists visited George School in mid-October and met with various constituents who provided valuable and thoughtful feedback to the Search Committee.

"Justin stood out from an impressive group of candidates as having the experience, skills, and qualities essential to lead George School into a successful next chapter," the trustees said. "His personal and professional values clearly resonate with Quaker faith and practice. His commitment to building community, demonstrated collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making, and ability to meaningfully connect with and unify others made him the clear choice to serve as the school’s tenth Head of School."

Brandon is a veteran independent school leader, currently Associate Head of School at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he also has served as Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs. He previously served as Head of Upper School at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Illinois, and Director of Upper School at Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Doreen Kelly, Head of Ravenscroft School, remarked, “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. Congratulations from all of us at Ravenscroft.”

Brandon’s extensive experience in the work of independent schools—discerning and leading strategic initiatives, unifying school constituencies through change, attracting and retaining talented educational professionals—will serve him well in the opportunities that lay ahead for George School.

“I am honored and excited to be named the next Head of George School,” Brandon said. “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.”

Brandon holds a master's degree of arts in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a bachelor's degree in Political Science and African-American Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"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 board said.

George School —whose enrollment is 544 students —opened in 1893 after John M. George, a wealthy Quaker left the bulk of his estate for the Quaker boarding school named in his honor.

Updates on Brandon’s transition to George School in the coming months can be found on the Head of School Search website.