Mount Pisgah Christian School begins an exciting new chapter as the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of John Dodds Marshall as Head of School.
Working on campus over the past four months, I have gained an appreciation for the mission, core values and rhythms of our young school. I have been impressed by the genuineness of the relationships between teacher and student, the commitment to educating the whole child —mind, body and spirit — and the extent to which teachers and coaches place the individual student at the center of their world. They demonstrate that “connecting” with children is the highest calling. We are, by design, a small school, one consisting of four close-knit learning communities in Pre-School, Lower, Middle and Upper School. The board’s recent decision to provide an opportunity for me to serve as permanent Head of School is invigorating and humbling. Serving an independent school with a mission grounded in Biblical truth, serious intellectual inquiry and a heart for human service is an answer to prayer. Rebecca and I believe the Lord has placed us at Mount Pisgah.
The board and we believe the fit is a good one. Our school possesses ambitious plans, recognizes there is important work that will make us stronger, and is committed to learning and growing through spiritual submission to Christ, the Master Teacher. Rebecca and I have been overwhelmed by the welcome we have received from students, parents, faculty and staff, and are confident that this school will be a wonderful environment for our three children. Mount Pisgah has grown into an extraordinary school during its first 25 years. As I hear across our campus, the future holds great promise! Blessings and best wishes,
John D. Marshall Head of School
“John Marshall comes to MPCS at a perfect time and with the perfect skill set to take us to the next level. I am very excited about what the future holds and supporting John and his staff in what I am confident will be great days ahead!” Steve Wood, Lead Pastor Mount Pisgah UMC
“I have known John for several years and consider him one of the most thoughtful independent school educational leaders in the SAIS region. His commitment to school quality has been exhibited through his involvement in the SAIS accreditation process on several fronts. Without a doubt I feel that the future is bright for both Mt. Pisgah community and John as they work together to provide students the highest quality education possible.” Dr. Steve Robinson, President, Southern Association of Independent Schools
“John Marshall is one of the finest school leaders I have known and worked with over the past 30 years. He is a visionary leader, a dynamic personality, a team player and a man of deep faith and solid integrity. Every place that he has been, great things have happened there, and I am confident that he is the right person at the right time for Mt. Pisgah. Great days are ahead for all of you!” The Rev. Dr. George B. Wirth, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
Meet John Marshall Education Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership Teachers College, Columbia University M.Ed., Education Administration Fuqua School of Business Duke University MBA, Marketing Concentration University of North Carolina Chapel Hill BA History, Twentieth-Century American Military History Freshman year at Davidson College
Professional Darlington School Rome, GA Vice-President Holland Hall School Tulsa, OK Head of School Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School St. Louis, MO Director of Development Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Rabun Gap, GA Head of School St. John’s School Houston, TX Director of Advancement, History Teacher, Baseball Coach
“John Marshall is a proven entity. He is known throughout the country as a man who leads schools with not only great wisdom, but also with great grace and dignity. I am confident he is God’s appointed one at Mount Pisgah for this season...and remarkable achievements will occur!” Bobby Welch, Head of School, Dunham School, Baton Rouge, LA, Chair of Pisgah’s 2012 SAIS Accreditation Team “God has been present and active in guiding us in the selection process. I can say with great confidence that John Marshall will be an exemplary leader for our school. We give thanks for God’s blessings on us and for the Marshall family.” Doug Williams, Chair, on behalf of the MPCS Board of Trustees “John is an extremely well-qualified educational leader. He is warm, compassionate and outstanding in every way. I have known him for years and truly believe Mount Pisgah couldn’t be in better hands.” Jeff Jackson, President, Georgia Independent School Association
mount pisgah CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Pisgah Facts The mission of Mount Pisgah Christian School is to provide an outstanding college-preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values. The essence of the mission is best described as College Prep. Life Ready. • Founded in 1986 by Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church • Interdenominational and coeducational day school • Located in Johns Creek, Georgia (North Metro Atlanta) • Divisions include Preschool, Lower, Middle, and Upper School, serving more than 900 children, six weeks of age through twelfth grade • College Preparatory Academics, Arts, Athletics, Christian Education, Service, and Leadership programs • Recognized for high standards of excellence, interactive instruction, and meaningful student-teacher relationships • Dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) • Member of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), and the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS).
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
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9820 Nesbit Ferry Road Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 www.experiencepisgah.org
678-336-3443