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Seacrest Country Day School Welcomes Local Private School Leader Dennis

Chapman as Its New Head of School
by Dennis Chapman
eacrest Country Day School, a A native of Miami, Chapman joined The Village School of
college-preparatory institution Naples in 2018. Prior to that, he was President and Head of School
Sserving students from early at The New School in Fayetteville, Ark. Before that, he was the
learning through 12th grade, announced Associate Head of School for The Out-of-Door Academy in
it has named Dr. Dennis G. Chapman Sarasota, Florida.
as its new Head of School. Chapman Chapman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from
brings over two decades of independent Trinity International University and a Master of Education in
school leadership experience and 25 Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida
years of non-profit experience to his (focusing on non-public school). He presents annually at
role. independent school conferences nationwide and has received many
“After a thoughtful and industry awards for his work in school marketing.
comprehensive search process, we are pleased to welcome Dennis A passionate leader who is dedicated to improving independent
as our next Head of School,” said Patricia Garcia III, Board Chair school education, Chapman serves on the Florida Council of
for Seacrest Country Day School. “His extensive knowledge Independent Schools (FCIS) Board of Directors. FCIS is the
and experience in leading independent, private schools will premier accrediting body for independent schools across the state
be a tremendous asset as we mark an exciting new chapter for working to both set the standards and advance the quality of
Seacrest.” independent private school education.
Chapman is a veteran independent private school leader with Recently, Chapman earned his EdD in Educational Leadership
a strong record of enrollment growth, program innovation and from The University of Pennsylvania – Graduate School of
community building. Prior to joining Seacrest, he was Head of Education, which consistently ranks among the top programs in the
School for The Village School of Naples, where he led significant United States. His dissertation was entitled “Servant Leadership
institutional advancement, including substantial enrollment and Teacher Retention at Independent Schools: Examining the
growth, high faculty retention, expanded academic offerings with Role of the Head of School.”
national recognition, and meaningful investments in both campus About Seacrest Country Day School
and programs. His leadership also strengthened the school’s Seacrest Country Day School is an independent, college-
financial position. preparatory school in Naples, Florida, serving students from
“My family and I are thrilled to join Seacrest Country Day preschool through 12th grade. Dedicated to academic excellence
School,” Chapman said. “Since coming onboard, I have begun and character development, Seacrest offers innovative programs
envisioning where we can take Seacrest together over the next that prepare students for success in college and beyond. Through a
several years while honoring its storied history, vibrant mission student-centered experience, Seacrest fuels intellectual engagement,
and solid core values.” encourages ownership of the educational journey, cultivates strength
of character, and inspires students to lead lives of significance.

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