Jackson School Appoints New Leader

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Jackson School, a K-6 independent school in Newton sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph, announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen Duffy as the Interim Head of School.  Mr. Duffy most recently served as the Interim Assistant Head of School at Trinity Hall (NJ), and is the former Head of School at Falmouth Academy (MA) and Upper School Principal at Rutgers Preparatory School (NJ).

A native of Massachusetts, Duffy graduated from Reading Memorial High School and attended Middlebury College, where he received both his B.A. and M.A. in English.  He was awarded a Klingenstein Fellowship to attend Columbia University’s Teachers College for his Ed.M.  He has been an independent school teacher and administrator for 30 years, and an active participant in state and regional educational organizations.

“I’m delighted to be joining this dynamic neighborhood school, filled with energetic, curious students and creative, caring teachers,” said Duffy.  “From my very first visit, I was struck by the dedication of the board and faculty, the engagement of the parents, and in my interactions with students I saw how the deeply humanistic and spiritual mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph shapes children.”

Board Chair Nancy Sandman offered her perspective on Duffy’s appointment:  “For over fifty years Jackson has offered Newton and surrounding towns a wonderful independent school experience at the forefront of elementary education, and Mr. Duffy’s extensive experience as a devoted educator will help position the school for another half-century of preparing students for the top independent and Catholic schools in the area.”

Duffy succeeds Mrs. Susan Niden, who retired after 29 years at Jackson School.  At the close of the school year, the community honored Niden’s service in an assembly attended by current and former students and parents.