SEACREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOL LEADER

SEACREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL WELCOMES LOCAL PRIVATE SCHOOL LEADER DENNIS CHAPMAN AS ITS NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

Seacrest Country Day School, a college-preparatory institution serving students from early learning through 12th grade, announced it has named Dr. Dennis G. Chapman as its new Head of School. Chapman brings over two decades of independent school leadership experience and 25 years of non-profit experience to his role.

“After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, we are pleased to welcome Dennis as our next Head of School,” said Patricia Garcia III, Board Chair for Seacrest Country Day School. “His extensive knowledge and experience in leading independent, private schools will be a tremendous asset as we mark an exciting new chapter for Seacrest.”

Chapman is a veteran independent private school leader with a strong record of enrollment growth, program innovation and community building. Prior to joining Seacrest, he was Head of School for The Village School of Naples, where he led significant institutional advancement, including substantial enrollment growth, high faculty retention, expanded academic offerings with national recognition, and meaningful investments in both campus and programs. His leadership also strengthened the school’s financial position.

“My family and I are thrilled to join Seacrest Country Day School,” Chapman said. “Since coming onboard, I have begun envisioning where we can take Seacrest together over the next several years while honoring its storied history, vibrant mission and solid core values.”

A native of Miami, Chapman joined The Village School of Naples in 2018. Prior to that, he was President and Head of School at The New School in Fayetteville, Ark. Before that, he was the Associate Head of School for The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, Florida.

Chapman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Trinity International University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida (focusing on non-public school). He presents annually at independent school conferences nationwide and has received many industry awards for his work in school marketing.

A passionate leader who is dedicated to improving independent school education, Chapman serves on the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) Board of Directors. FCIS is the premier accrediting body for independent schools across the state working to both set the standards and advance the quality of independent private school education.

Recently, Chapman earned his EdD in Educational Leadership from The University of Pennsylvania – Graduate School of Education, which consistently ranks among the top programs in the United States. His dissertation was entitled “Servant Leadership and Teacher Retention at Independent Schools: Examining the Role of the Head of School.”

About Seacrest Country Day School
Seacrest Country Day School is an independent, college-preparatory school in Naples, Florida, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Dedicated to academic excellence and character development, Seacrest offers innovative programs that prepare students for success in college and beyond. Through a student-centered experience, Seacrest fuels intellectual engagement, encourages ownership of the educational journey, cultivates strength of character, and inspires students to lead lives of significance.