Since 2022, Mr. John Melton has served as Head of School at Lake Forest Country Day School. John is a seasoned independent school leader, having served as a Head of School for five years and a division head for ten years.  Among his significant accomplishments as Head of School are the completion of a full strategic planning cycle, execution of successful financial stability initiatives, and, through his collegial and collaborative leadership style, inspiring a sense of community and pride around a vision for the future of the school. Among John’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect with people, where he cites his eagerness and experience in listening, collaborating, and communicating with integrity and empathy. “Inspiring positivity” is one of the main tenets of John's educational philosophy.

John graduated from The Langley School, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School, and Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. He earned a Master’s in Secondary Education at Marymount University in Virginia, and a Master’s of Science in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science from the University of Maryland at College Park. From 2015 to 2020, John was Head of School at Fuqua School in Farmville, Virginia. In the decade preceding his outstanding work at Fuqua School, John was Head of Upper School (grades 5-8) at The Country School in Easton, Maryland, a PK-8 school with approximately 300 students. John began his career in independent school education at Palmer Trinity School in Miami, Florida, where he served in various roles, including science teacher, Director of Outdoor Education, Director of Summer School, and Upper School Dean of Students. From 2020-2022 John served in an interim role as Director of Advancement at Highland School in Warrenton, Virginia, where he led the advancement team to oversee fundraising, communications, marketing, alumni relations, and special events.

John was drawn to Lake Forest Country Day School because of the School’s “rich history of exceptional teaching, the community characterized by engagement and inclusion, and the culture of knowing each child.”
A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.
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