VILLAGE SCHOOL OF NAPLES APPOINTS NEW ACADEMIC DEAN

VILLAGE SCHOOL OF NAPLES APPOINTS NEW ACADEMIC DEAN
TO ENHANCE THE INSTITUTION’S K-12 SCHOLASTIC PROGRAMS

The Village School of Naples, an independent school serving students in Preschool through 12th grade, today announced the appointment of Dianna Mattern, Ph.D., as its new Academic Dean. In this role, she will explore the scope and sequence of the K-12 curriculum, dive into academic data, and mentor and guide faculty members.

Mattern has extensive academic leadership experience having served as Chief Academic Officer, Headmaster, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in institutions and districts across the country. She currently is continuing her work as an Upper School Teacher and Student Success Center Learning Specialist at Village School.

“Dianna’s breadth of experience, love for students, dedication to scholarship and fondness for our school make her the perfect person to serve as our Academic Dean” said Dennis Chapman, Head of School for The Village School. “We are fortunate to have such a talented individual already on staff. She will take on this new role full-time next year.”

Mattern has been involved in academic leadership in Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut and Virgina and has earned numerous accolades, including Ohio Principal of the Year, National PTA Educator of the Year, Milken Award Winner, Target Grant recipient, ING grant recipient, Fulbright Scholar, and the Ohio State University Leadership Award.

Mattern holds five Masters degrees (all in various fields of education) and a doctorate. She is an active leader of the Harvard Principals’ Summer Leadership Program and has served on numerous boards and editing panels and has authored dozens of publications.

Founded nearly four decades ago as a private institution for pre-school students, The Village School of Naples introduced an Upper School division for high school students in 2017. Since then, the school’s leadership has been strategically renovating and expanding the academic, arts and athletic facilities to accommodate current and future growth.

Located at 6000 Goodlette-Frank Rd., The Village School of Naples originally began as The Caring Place Preschool in 1985 as an outreach at North Naples United Methodist Church. In 2000, the church relocated to the present campus location and added The Village School, beginning with K-2 and 37 students. In 2006, the school was accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council.

In 2009, parents asked The Village School for a middle school to be added and soon after added the middle school one grade a year to complete the eighth grade. Four years later, the Board of Directors voted to add an upper school with 17 students in the fall of 2017.

In June 2020, The Village School celebrated its first-ever graduating class of seniors. The school currently has more than 135 upper school students and will graduate its largest senior class (35 students) this spring.

About Us:

The Village School of Naples is more than an institution; it is a vibrant community committed to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. We are a private, co-educational, independent school offering PreK3-12th grade students an impactful educational experience in a nurturing Christian environment. Our commitment is to empower and inspire students to become critical thinkers and innovative problem solvers in the face of challenges in our ever-changing world. Founded in 2000, our educational approach is rooted in hands-on experiences, fostering an atmosphere where creativity and curiosity thrive. We believe in a holistic approach to education, emphasizing not only academic excellence but also the development of character, empathy, gratitude and a lifelong love of learning. Additionally, our Village Success Center, comprising The Learning Center, QUEST College Success, and the Bridge and Enrichment Programs, serves our students as a neurodiverse center designed to stretch the brightest, support those with language-based learning differences, and provide the very best in individualized college placement counseling. We are also fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools. We are proud members of the National Honor Society and were recently recognized nationally by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program Honor Roll as a Platinum level school.