The Jackson Walnut Park School (JWPS) in Newton has announced the appointment of Patricia Lynn Gray as the next head of school. JWPS is the only school in the Boston area offering Montessori early childhood education with an elementary Catholic curriculum.
With more than 16 years of experience in education, Gray previously served as leader for the pre-K-8 campus of the Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City where she earned them the vote for “Best Private School” by the Kansas City Star newspaper after increasing enrollment by 37%.
Her grit and commitment during her time at Sion led to large improvements in academic achievements through her changes to the curriculum, involving hands-on learning and acquiring grants to support the school. Gray also introduced new staff members from underrepresented education groups to increase diversity at the institution.
Before her time at Sion, Gray was recognized as a Memphis Teaching Fellow and was appointed by then-Governor Bill Clinton to the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education where she served for 10 years, marking the start of her pathway to higher education. Even before her career in education, Gray was committed to her work, having held executive positions at two Fortune 500 companies.
Gray holds bachelor of arts degrees in both economics and business from Hendrix College in Arkansas and a master of science in education from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
Gray has already showcased her eagerness in joining the JWPS community through changes she has already made.
“Her dedication to fostering a vibrant learning environment and her strong sense of community will help guide us into an exciting new chapter,” stated Patricia deLeeuw and Michael Callanan, co-chairs of Jackson Walnut Park School’s Board of Trustees.
Having assumed her new role during the summer, Gray has implemented changes showcasing her passion and drive to focus on fostering a better learning community for students and staff. She has modernized classrooms to promote a better learning atmosphere and started a monthly Mass with the purpose of cultivating a community built on faith.