Introducing André Del Valle Head of School

We are excited to introduce you to André Del Valle, an educator of great experience and even greater heart, with a bone-deep belief in the potential of every student. André built his reputation as a dynamic community builder and educational innovator as Head of School at George Jackson Academy, an independent middle school for academically-talented boys from underserved communities that was his professional home for 15 years. After his successful tenure at George Jackson, André took the opportunity to become Head of Middle School at Poly Prep Country Day, where he led a large and diverse division at one of New York City’s leading independent schools, managing students and families, faculty and staff, and budgets and development.   

André Del Valle’s career in education began as a third grade teacher in Bushwick’s P.S. 145, as a New York City Teaching Fellow. He holds master’s degrees in both teaching and educational administration and leadership from Pace University. As Head of School at George Jackson, he supervised a $1.6 million school building renovation and led the school through a million-dollar match challenge and a $2 million dollar capital campaign. He deftly managed the day-to-day educational and social-emotional needs of his students while leading the faculty and administration. At Poly, André earned the trust and admiration of middle school students, families, and staff by steering the school through a global pandemic. As the educational and administrative leader of the division, he built “a community of care” during a difficult time. 

André said that the decision to join the MMFS community was easy. “I am drawn to mission-driven schools, and it’s clear that MMFS’s commitment to the success of students with learning disabilities transforms lives,” he says. “I knew on my first visit, when I was greeted by upper school students talking about how much they loved being at school, that this was a good fit for me.” André is a lifelong Brooklynite, the father of two school-age daughters, Zoe and Nina, and a diehard Mets fan. His wife, Andrea, is also a teacher.

This is a profound moment in the history of our school. André will be only the fourth Head of School since MMFS was founded in 1984 and the first new leader in 30 years. We are honored that he has chosen to join our community, and delighted to welcome him to MMFS.