The Montgomery Academy Board of Directors is pleased to announce the unanimous confirmation of David J. Farace as the new Head of School, effective July 1, 2010. Mr. Farace will be the seventh Head of School at The Montgomery Academy. His appointment was the result of a nationwide search that took into consideration critical input from The Montgomery Academy school community including parents, teachers, students, alumni and administration.

Mr. Farace has significant academic and leadership experience in independent schools having worked at McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland and St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. He is currently the Director of Institutional Advancement at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama.

“We feel we have made an excellent choice in Mr. Farace,” stated Daniel Hughes, Board of Directors President and 1982 graduate of The Montgomery Academy. “He brings with him a deep commitment to progressive education, vision for the future and passion for the values of The Montgomery Academy. Mr. Farace, his wife Becky and their children Wyatt, Campbell and Bodin, are truly excited about the opportunity to become part of our school family and the greater Montgomery community.”

A graduate of the distinguished McDonogh School where he began his career, Mr. Farace received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington and Lee University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

“The school retained a nationally-recognized search firm who identified over 40 qualified applicants from across the United States,” stated Clark Sahlie, Search Committee Chairman and 1984 graduate of The Montgomery Academy. “After a review of the outstanding candidates from a variety of school settings, it became clear that Mr. Farace encompassed all of the key qualities we sought in our next Head of School, including academic and teaching experience, leadership success, fund-raising experience and superb communications skills. He embraces the core values and traditions of The Montgomery Academy and will lead the school on a path of continued distinction.”

“I have thrived in day and boarding school settings as a student, teacher, coach, advisor, dorm parent, and administrator,” stated Mr. Farace. “My primary charge as a leader is to ask, challenge, debate, encourage -- and ultimately -- empower faculty and students to advance the mission of The Montgomery Academy. I feel privileged to participate in such a collegial and vibrant school community and relish the opportunity to serve as Head of School.”

The Montgomery Academy was founded in 1959 and is a Kindergarten through Grade 12 independent, non-profit, college preparatory day school serving over 820 students in the greater Montgomery area. The school encompasses two Montgomery campuses and seeks students from all ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds who can benefit from a challenging academic program. For more information about The Montgomery Academy or for admissions information, call 334-272-8210 or visit www.MontgomeryAcademy.org.