Incoming Head of School

 

Galloway Family,

This year has been one of challenge and change, but also of reflection and renewal. Through it all, our shared commitment to Galloway’s mission—where learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged—has remained steadfast.

One of the Board of Trustees’ most important responsibilities is selecting the Head of School, a leader who will honor our values while guiding Galloway into the future. After thoughtful deliberation, we are thrilled to announce that Amir Farokhi ’96 will serve as Galloway’s next Head of School.

A Galloway Lifer, A Proven Leader
Amir’s Galloway journey began as a five-year-old student, and he proudly graduated in 1996. His deep connection to our school has continued over the years – serving two terms on the Board of Trustees, founding the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and helping shape Galloway’s strategic direction. Amir’s mother, Beth Farokhi, also served as Head of School at Galloway from 2010-2012.

Beyond Galloway, Amir has dedicated his career to leadership and service. As a nonprofit executive, civic leader, and elected official, he has built strong communities, led organizations, and worked to improve education and opportunity. His ability to unite people and advance a vision makes him uniquely suited to lead Galloway into our next chapter.

During the Board’s conversations with Amir, we were particularly struck by his commitment to deliver both immediate impacts as well as a longer-term, aspirational and ambitious vision for Galloway. His short-term focus includes strengthening the bonds of trust across our entire school community, advancing our vital building project, and empowering our exceptional faculty and staff. As an engaged and visible leader, he will serve as a passionate and authentic advocate for our school's mission, philosophy, and achievements in the broader educational landscape, both in Atlanta and nationally.

This decision followed extensive consultation and thoughtful discussion. To help guide us through this process, the Board has retained Educators Collaborative for a full year of transition support for Amir, our Board, and leadership team. We are confident that Amir is the right leader for this moment and the years ahead.

What’s Next?
Although Amir officially begins his role July 1, 2025, he is eager to reconnect with the community in the months ahead. Following Spring Break, we will share a number of opportunities for you to meet Amir. He will serve on Atlanta City Council through July before resigning his post. We will also share updates on key initiatives, including the Galloway Forward campaign and leadership searches, in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your trust and commitment to Galloway. We are excited for this new chapter and confident that, under Amir’s leadership, our school will continue to thrive while staying true to the values that make it so special.

Please join us in welcoming Amir home.

The Galloway School Board of Trustees

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A Message from Amir:

Today, I was named Galloway’s next Head of School. It’s a humbling moment. Galloway has been part of my life at every step. It shaped my professional and academic pathways. More importantly, it shaped how I navigate complex issues and how I treat others.

This is an unexpected homecoming. I wish Mr. Galloway was here so that we could celebrate the school’s next chapter together. From the day he opened the school’s doors and throughout his life, students’ individual curiosities formed the foundation of learning. The school may apply structure, experiences, and rigor but children always learn best when they are intrinsically motivated to do so, when they learn by doing, and when they are respected and trusted. These principles–Mr. Galloway’s principles–will remain central to our classrooms.

While we have room to grow, especially in preparing our students for an uncertain, competitive world that requires risk-taking, resilience, and bridge-building, I am committed to keeping our student-centered, experiential education at the heart of everything we do, from age 3 to 18. Indeed, my aspiration is that Galloway is at the vanguard of what a progressive education can be, in the classroom, the arts, and athletics. We have fifty-plus years of evidence. We have permission to tell the world about it. I look forward to connecting with you in the near future. Our school is a remarkable place with remarkable people. Together, our next chapter will be as well.

Sincerely,

Amir Farokhi
Incoming Head of School