Welcoming Our Next Head of School
Hero_HeadofSchool.png
- Welcome from Dr. Chapman!
- Message from the Board Chair
- Seacrest Announcement
- Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome from Dr. Chapman!
Seeing is Truly Believing
Experience It. See It. Believe It.
The best way to know if Seacrest is the right fit for your family is to visit campus. A personal tour offers the opportunity to see classrooms in action, meet our faculty, and experience the vibrant energy of our community.
Welcome from Dennis
Seacrest Community,
My family and I are thrilled to join your tremendous school. We have long admired Seacrest Country Day School and I am honored to be selected as your incoming Head of School. I have already begun envisioning where we can take Seacrest together over the next several years while honoring its storied history, vibrant mission, and solid core values. I look forward to sharing pieces of my initial vision with you in the coming weeks.
My first goal is to get to know each of you and for you to get to know me over the next few months. As the Head of School, my job is to help Seacrest become its best version of itself, and I want to learn from you what you hope never changes and what we should consider taking a closer look at together. Over the next few months, I will meet with each member of the faculty and staff for one-on-one conversations where I will ask them a series of questions to get to know them better and begin to shape the next chapter for Seacrest. Also, we will host focus groups with parents, students, and other constituencies as well. In the time that we will spend together, themes will emerge that I will share with the community this fall. As John Maxwell said, in leadership you must first listen, then learn, and finally lead. We will provide many opportunities for you to share your hopes and dreams with me, leading up to and continuing through my first official day on June 1.
I truly believe the best is yet to come for Seacrest and I cannot wait to get started growing it with you.
Please feel free to reach out to me at dchapman@seacrest.org, so I can begin to get to know you.
With gratitude,
Dennis
Dr. Dennis G. Chapman, Head of School
Experience & Leadership
-
20+ years in independent school education
-
Former Head of School, The Village School of Naples
-
Known for innovation, enrollment growth, culture-building
Education
-
Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership University of Pennsylvania
-
Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership
University of South Florida (focusing on non-public schools) -
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Trinity International University.
Leadership Highlights
-
Growing enrollment by more than 60%, strengthening both recruitment and retention
-
Achieving a 97% faculty retention rate, reflecting a strong and supportive professional culture
-
Expanding academic programs, including recognition as a three-time Platinum AP Honor Roll School
-
Leading a $3M capital campaign in three months and advancing key campus improvements
-
Increasing annual fundraising from $200K to $2M and establishing a $2M endowment
-
Strengthening financial sustainability, growing the school’s operating budget from $6M to $18M
-
Investing in faculty development and student support programs
Message from the Board Chair
Dear Seacrest Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share that Dr. Dennis G. Chapman has been appointed as the next Head of School at Seacrest Country Day School.
As part of our commitment to a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board engaged Carney Sandoe & Associates, a nationally recognized firm specializing in independent school leadership searches. While we were fully prepared to conduct a broad national search, a unique and compelling opportunity emerged to engage Dr. Chapman in conversation about this role. Through that process, it became clear that Dr. Chapman is exceptionally well aligned with the needs and aspirations of Seacrest.
Dr. Chapman brings more than 20 years of independent school leadership experience, with a strong record of enrollment growth, program innovation, and community building. In his most recent role, he led significant institutional advancement, including substantial enrollment growth, high faculty retention, expanded academic offerings with national recognition, and meaningful investments in both campus and programs. His leadership also strengthened the school’s financial position through successful fundraising initiatives, capital improvements, and long-term sustainability planning.
Dr. Chapman brings a strong record of educational leadership, a deep commitment to students and faculty, and a clear vision for strengthening both community and program.
Throughout our discussions, Dennis demonstrated a genuine appreciation for what makes Seacrest special—its community, its culture, and its potential. He is eager to partner with our talented faculty and staff, engage meaningfully with our families, and build upon the strong foundation already in place.
We are equally grateful to Dr. Kory Gallagher and Mrs. Tyra Turner for their steady leadership and dedication during this transition period. Their commitment to Seacrest has ensured continued momentum and stability for our community.
Dr. Chapman will begin his tenure on June 1st. In the coming weeks, there will be opportunities for our community to meet and welcome him to Seacrest.
This is an exciting moment for our school. We look forward to the future with optimism and confidence as we continue to strengthen our community and advance our mission together.
Sincerely,
Patricia Garcia III
Chair, Board of Trustees
Seacrest Announcement
Seacrest Country Day School Welcomes its Next Head of School
Seacrest Country Day School will welcome Dr. Dennis G. Chapman as its next Head of School, beginning June 1, 2026.
An experienced independent school leader with more than two decades in education, Dr. Chapman is known for strengthening academic programs, fostering vibrant school communities, and leading with clarity and purpose.
Most recently, as Head of School at The Village School of Naples, he led a period of notable growth and momentum.
During his tenure:
- Enrollment increased by more than 60%, reflecting strong demand and community confidence
- Academic programs were elevated, earning recognition as a three-time Platinum AP Honor Roll School
- Annual fundraising grew from $200K to $2M, alongside the establishment of a $2M endowment
- A $3M capital campaign supported key campus and program enhancements
- Student opportunities expanded across academics, arts, athletics, and student support
- Strong, positive school culture was sustained, including high faculty retention
Equally important is Dr. Chapman’s leadership approach—widely recognized for building connected, mission-driven communities where students are supported, faculty are empowered, and families feel genuinely engaged.
The Board of Trustees approached this leadership transition with care and intention, conducting this search process in partnership with nationally recognized search firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates to identify a leader aligned with Seacrest’s values and forward-looking vision. Through a comprehensive and thoughtful process—including interviews and extensive reference and background review—Dr. Chapman emerged a strong match for this important moment in the school’s continued growth.
The school also extends its appreciation to Dr. Kory Gallagher and Mrs. Tyra Turner for their leadership during this transition. Their steady guidance has ensured continuity and strength across the Seacrest community.
Opportunities to meet Dr. Chapman and welcome him to Seacrest will be shared in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Dr. Chapman selected as Seacrest’s next Head of School?
- What was the process for selecting the new Head of School?
- Why is this transition happening now?
- What is Dr. Chapman’s leadership style?
- How will this impact faculty and staff?
- How will this impact students and families?
- What are Dr. Chapman’s priorities when he begins?
- Will there be opportunities to meet Dr. Chapman?
- Who should questions be directed to?
Why was Dr. Chapman selected as Seacrest’s next Head of School?
What was the process for selecting the new Head of School?
Why is this transition happening now?
What is Dr. Chapman’s leadership style?
How will this impact faculty and staff?
How will this impact students and families?
What are Dr. Chapman’s priorities when he begins?
Will there be opportunities to meet Dr. Chapman?
Who should questions be directed to?
Faculty and families are encouraged to reach out to school leadership and may also contact Dr. Chapman directly via email at dchapman@seacrest.org. Additional updates will be shared as information becomes available.