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Head of School Profiles
MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Here is a personal look at the educational leaders who set the tone at their schools to ensure superb curriculum, effective teaching and student success. Learn more about the philosophy on which some of Atlanta’s top schools are built, and how their leaders implement these ideas. Atlanta Parent recognizes these administrative leaders’ dedication to students, teachers and parents.
Dr. Brett Jacobsen, CEO & Head of School
The Mount Vernon School
Celebrating its 50th year and graduating its 15th senior class, Mount Vernon is a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact. The School is committed to creating and sustaining a school culture where all members feel valued and safe, sharing their authentic selves to design a better world…together.
As a co-educational day school for more than 1200 students in Preschool through Grade 12, Mount Vernon sets the conditions for learners to excel in college, career, and citizenship. Thriving in a constantly changing environment with complex challenges, students engage in real-world problem solving throughout their experience, partnering with major corporations, nonprofi ts, and civic environments and ultimately, making a positive impact in the local community. Graduating to top-tier universities, they are impact ready.
Dr. Brett Jacobsen is completing his 13th year as the CEO & Head of School for The Mount Vernon School. Leading Mount Vernon through a transformational period, the School has gained a national reputation for innovation in education, including launching a research and strategy lab known as Mount Vernon Ventures. Dr. Jacobsen frequently shares his journey of innovation and entrepreneurial impact at national and international conferences. Dr. Jacobsen was recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the 2017 Most Admired CEOs in the education category. He is also a proud member of Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2013.
Sandy Springs mountvernonschool.org 404-252-3448
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
After a two-year search, Dr. Jim Cianca was welcomed by Mt. Bethel Christian Academy last spring to serve as the next Head of School. Dr. Cianca is honored to continue MBCA’s legacy of providing a challenging educational curriculum, always in tandem with a biblical worldview.
Prior to joining MBCA, Dr. Cianca, who has spent 26 years at private schools, most of them Christianbased, led an international school in Quito, Ecuador. Dr. Cianca begins his new position knowing there are tremendous expectations for excellence in academics, spiritual growth, and the guidance of children into tomorrow’s leaders. His hard work is already underway as he leads students, families, and faculty into a school year with record enrollment.
For almost 25 years, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy has approached education as a partnership between parents, teachers, and students. With two campuses in East Cobb, combined facilities include production studios, performing & visual arts, two gymnasiums, pool, tennis courts, and athletic fi elds. New for 2021, MBCA has established its fi rst Middle School football program.
East Cobb mtbethelchristian.org 770-971-0245
Th e Rev. Brian Sullivan, Head of School
St. Benedict’s Episcopal School
The Rev. Brian Sullivan ensures that academic excellence remains at the core of St. Benedict’s Episcopal School.
His deep commitment to children’s development focuses on academics along with students’ lifelong role as global citizens. With the Episcopal education values of love, faith, and respect for diversity, Sullivan knows that immersing children in a school experience with these values leads to development of character which will serve them well throughout their lives.
The infant-8th grade model in place at St. Benedict’s allows middle school students to assume a role of school leadership which helps them to determine their “true north.” This defi nition of character serves students well when they leave St. Benedict’s for high performing area high schools. With the help of a STEAM grant from The Goizueta Foundation, St. Benedict’s is implementing robust STEAM curriculum that aligns with current pacing guides for complete program cohesion across all grade levels.
Sullivan was most drawn to his curriculum classes in his Master’s of Education program which confi rmed that education is one of the most transformative tools in children’s future. Sullivan is active in the NAIS, SAIS, and is a graduate of the 2019-2020 Class of Leadership Cobb.
Smyrna stbs.org 678-279-4300
MEET THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Joy Wood, Head of School
GRACEPOINT
Joy Wood joined GRACEPOINT in 2015, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience as an educator. Prior to coming to GRACEPOINT, Mrs. Wood served as the Director of Curriculum at Christ the King Catholic School and Elementary Principal at Wesleyan School where she managed and mentored a staff of 60 educators. Since 1995, Mrs. Wood has represented the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools as an Accreditation Team Member for many different schools in the southeastern states.
During the summer of 2016, Mrs. Wood oversaw the relocation of GRACEPOINT to the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. Since moving into the building, enrollment increased from 83 to 127 students, confi rming the need in the community for a specialized education for dyslexic learners.
The mission of GRACEPOINT is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confi dent learners, through sequential, systematic and multisensory instruction. GRACEPOINT serves students in grades 1-8 using the Orton-Gillingham teaching method. The goal for each student is to instill a lifelong desire for growing in wisdom and gaining knowledge of the Lord so that each may fulfi ll God’s purposes and bring glory to Him.
Marietta gracepointschool.org 678-709-6634
Shannon Dishman, Head of School
Atlanta Academy
“The fi rst weeks are one of my favorite times of the year. Our halls fi ll with smiling faces, laughter, and joy. Students enjoy a fresh start, and they have the opportunity to discover new passions. This year, I hope to give our community a more ‘normal’ school year while sustaining inperson learning.
Last year, we discovered ways to protect our community during the pandemic. The most signifi cant takeaway was that we could immediately modify and implement our strategy as an independent school.
With certain modifi cations, we continue to deliver a premier academic experience. Every program, resource, and learning space is designed to support our mission of developing the whole child. These tools provide our students with a comprehensive academic foundation that prepares them for their future scholastic endeavors. Additionally, we model and emphasize critical character skills such as kindness, empathy, compassion, and generosity towards others. We believe strongly in nurturing these traits for every student.
Atlanta Academy was founded on the values of caring for your community, kindness, family, and empathy. We believe these are essential traits to succeed inside the classroom and beyond.”
