“I appreciate how George School really challenges students and pushes them to learn about who they are as individuals, but also to think about who they are in the context of the world.”

Long before Justin Brandon ever dreamt of being a head of school, he visited George School for the weekend as one of a group of students from Riverdale Country School. “The community was really open and welcoming to us,” he remembered.

When the opportunity to interview for the Head of School position was opened to him, it felt serendipitous — and like a homecoming of sorts. Though they were living in North Carolina, where he was Associate Head of the Ravenscroft School, he and his family have roots in the Northeast. He was born and raised in the Bronx, and spent a good portion of his earlier career at Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown NJ and at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square PA. He returned to George School’s campus as a candidate for the job, and once again had a positive impression.

“I was — and am — inspired by what I’ve seen here,” he said. “The commitment to the IB program, arts, and athletics, all within the context of a very diverse, global community is something special. I appreciate how George School really challenges students and pushes them to learn about who they are as individuals, but also to think about who they are in the context of the world."

“I appreciate how George School really challenges students and pushes them to learn about who they are as individuals, but also to think about who they are in the context of the world.”
 

“Justin’s education and experience were impressive, but most convincing was his strength of character and approach to leadership. Throughout the interview process, he displayed a deep understanding of who we are as a school community.” — Linda Espenshade Heinemann, Clerk of the George School Board of Trustees

The George School Board of Trustees announced Justin’s appointment as the tenth Head of School on November 2, 2023.

“Justin’s education and experience were impressive,” said Linda Espenshade Heinemann, Clerk of the George School Board of Trustees. “But most convincing was his strength of character and approach to leadership. Throughout the interview process, he displayed a deep understanding of who we are as a school community.”

His official first day wasn’t until July 1, but when the opportunity arose to join George School student-athletes on a trip to China at the end of the school year, Justin leapt at the chance. The varsity basketball teams, along with their coaches and chaperones, were invited to travel to China as part of the “Bridge of the Future” China-US youth exchange program. The trip was fully funded by the Joe Tsai Foundation, who sponsors student-athlete Ziyi Xiong ’27, in gratitude for Ziyi’s experience in his first year at George School.

“It was a fantastic trip in so many ways, beginning with the fact that we were enthusiastically greeted by many of our local families and students at the hotel,” said Justin. “Our students were so impressive — not only on the court; more importantly, they were kind, respectful, curious, and genuinely appreciative. And, even though we were thousands of miles away from George School, we had a whole crowd of fans — current students, parents, and alumni — who showed up to cheer on our athletes. It truly felt like I was joining a big, global family.”

Justin and his family — partner, Angela Miklavcic, and daughter Jozi — moved into Sunnybanke in mid-July, and jumped right into the community, hosting an open house for faculty and staff in their first month on campus. Justin was eager to meet and talk with community members.

“I want to take the time to meet with many different groups of people on this campus and alumni and friends around the country to learn why they said ‘yes’ to GS,” he said.

He immediately set aside time in his schedule to meet with individual faculty and staff. He, Angela, and Jozi joined student leaders during prefect training for evening activities. He visited the fields where student-athletes were in the midst of preseason training. And the school year hadn’t even yet begun.

Convocation, held on the first morning of classes, was the first opportunity Justin had to speak to students, faculty and staff together. “We — each one of us — were drawn to George School for a wide variety of reasons,” he said. “We all chose to join this community in hopes that we could bring something to it that wasn’t there before — that our own inner light could grow and shine here, and that together, we could make this community a little bit brighter. Let’s make the most of our time together — beginning today.”

With the school year underway, Justin has committed time to getting to know the students and gaining an understanding of their experience at GS. During “Hoagies with the Head,” small groups of the Class of 2025 enjoy lunch and conversation with him. He shadowed senior Noah Pashman ’25 for a day, and plans to shadow one student from each grade throughout the year in order to get a sense of the class day.

On Friday, September 20, 2024 with almost 1,000 people in attendance, Justin was formally welcomed as the tenth Head of George School. The excitement, warmth, and joy were palpable.

In his remarks, he spoke of the deep history of George School, and of the many individuals on whose shoulders he stands, including John M. George, Julian Bond ’57, Stephen Sondheim ’46, and Cyd Crooks Carpenter ’47.

“Our beliefs remain consistent with our predecessors,” he said. “We believe that if we engage in thoughtful learning and discourse; if we practice deep listening and understand the power of consensus; and if we strive to Mind the Light in ourselves and one another, we will work towards becoming the community we want to be.”

“I am filled with excitement about the journey we have ahead of us, the work we will do together as we build community and continue to create spaces to let our students’ lives speak. I also know that it will not be without its unique challenges. So I ask for your continued commitment of time, talent, and resources in carrying forth the mission of George School, in the Quaker tradition, with a joy for learning, and a desire to serve.”

 

About Justin Brandon

Born and raised in the Bronx NY, Justin grew up with his mother, an English and French teacher; his father, a bus driver for mass transit; and his older sister, Nikki. A proud alumnus of Riverdale Country School, Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African-American Studies from Macalester College. He earned his Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Justin has served as a history teacher and coach and held a variety of administrative positions at a range of outstanding independent schools, including The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square PA and Moorestown Friends School in Moorestown NJ. Most recently, Justin was the Associate Head of School at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh NC. Justin currently serves on the Macalester College Athletics Advisory Board and is a Trustee of the One Schoolhouse Board. He has facilitated workshops on leadership, cultural competency, student well-being, equitable hiring practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion at regional and national conferences. He participated in the Friends Council Institute for Engaging Leadership and was a recipient of a NAIS E.E. Ford Aspiring Heads of School Fellowship. Justin most enjoys spending time with his wife Angela, daughter Jozi, and family and friends. He loves to read, travel, explore the outdoors, and is an avid hip-hop fan.