Palm Beach Day Academy's New Head of School Promises Even 'Greater Heights of Excellence'

PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After a five-month national search, Palm Beach Day Academy has the pleasure of appointing Dr. Edwin Gordon as its new Head of School.

Gordon, who holds a Ph.D. in Education from Cornell University, brings with him 20 years of experience in education and administration – ranging from elementary to university settings – and was among a variety of candidates interviewed from across the country by the school's search committee, who felt his positive energy set him apart.

"His experience and qualifications are impressive, but it was Dr. Gordon's passion and enthusiasm that really moved the committee and gave him the edge among a pool of very talented candidates," said Lourdes Fanjul, chairwoman of the search committee.  "We are delighted to bring in someone we truly believe will carry on the traditions of the school, while also growing the institution."

The opportunity to help advance Palm Beach Day Academy enticed Gordon and his wife of 28 years, LaRita, to relocate from New York, where he served as Head of the Lower School at Riverdale Country School.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Palm Beach Day Academy during this exciting time in the school's history," said Gordon. "It gives me great joy to know I will serve as Head of School at an institution that not only has a mission and core values that resonate with me, but also seeks to live these to the fullest. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, parents, Board of Trustees and alumni in moving this vibrant institution toward greater heights of excellence." 

Retiring Head of School Dr. Rebecca van der Bogert is confident knowing that the school will be left in good hands.

"There is no greater retirement gift than knowing the students, teachers and parents in our community will continue to get the greatest education possible and the school will continue to get stronger," said van der Bogert, who retires after more than eight years as Head of School.  "I am thrilled the Search Committee chose and Board of Trustees appointed someone with the experience, credentials, compassion and commitment that Dr. Gordon will bring to our school."

Gordon -- whose experience also includes four years as Executive Director of the K-12 Executive Education Program at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education -- will join Palm Beach Day Academy in July, before the start of the 2016 school year.

Founded in 1921, Palm Beach Day Academy is Florida's first independent school enrolling students age two through grade nine on two campuses in Palm Beach County. Ninety-eight percent of students attend their first-choice secondary school and 39 percent continue to the nation's most competitive colleges, including the Ivy League. Eighty-five percent of the school's teachers hold master's degrees. Palm Beach Day Academy is a family school where students develop critical thinking, confidence and integrity.

Contact:  Meghan Albanese, Palm Beach Day Academy, (561) 832-8815, ext. 105 or [email protected].  

Photos are available upon request.

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SOURCE Palm Beach Day Academy