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Feb 17, 2016

St. Francis Appoints Founding Head of Upper School

St. Francis Episcopal Day School is pleased to name Anne P. Longley as founding head of Upper School. Longley will join St. Francis in June, and her robust background in independent school education will help direct the curricula formation of the new division, anticipated to open to students in fall 2018.

 

Currently head of Upper School at The Nightingale-Bamford School in New York, Longley has led the 150-plus-student division since 2012. A previous tenure at nearby Hackley School included roles as grade dean, director of senior projects, and Upper and Middle School French instructor. Both in and out of the classroom, Longley stresses the value of helping students create a strong sense of self. “Knowing that someone is your advocate and believes in you enables you to take risks in your own education,” she said. “Through careful curricula design, students become capable of serious inquiry and seek ways to enhance their own learning.”

 

Longley holds doctorate and master’s degrees in French literature from Washington University, a master’s in foreign language education from the University of Georgia, and college counseling certification. She’s served as instructor and academic counselor in institutions ranging from the University of Paris to the University of Georgia and University of South Carolina, as well as public and private high schools.

 

“It was very clear to the selection committee that Anne’s background as an Upper School division head at one of the finest schools in New York provides her with the experience and leadership qualities that St. Francis seeks at this moment in our school’s history,” said Steve Lovejoy, assistant head of school at St. Francis. “Anne shows a tremendous commitment to making each student’s education a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

 

Mrs. Longley’s firm belief in the significance of an independent education dates back to her undergraduate years at Converse College, the liberal arts school she credits with inspiring her passion to pursue her academic dreams. “Now," she said, "I want to lead in a school where we instill the values that allow students to find their voice, shape their future, and make meaningful change in society."