Head of School Micheal Wirtz with students

Head of School Welcome

Michael Wirtz

It does not take long for visitors to St. George’s to realize they have found something special. The campus buzzes with the energy of curious, passionate, and joyful students. A palpable sense of community exists, derived from the school’s longstanding commitment to inclusivity, consistent with our Episcopal heritage. Our dynamic, forward-looking, and broad educational offerings are powered by talented and dedicated educators. And if all this was not enough, the stunning campus perched above Second Beach offers a sense of place unlike any school in the world. Simply put, St. George’s stands alone.

More than the sum of our parts, St. George’s is a mission and values-driven school that is uniquely positioned to help students grow in every respect. We live out our core values, as derived from our mission statement, DEI vision statement, school prayer, and honor code: to help students “develop to the fullest extent possible the particular gifts that are theirs,” to “promote genuine respect for each individual,” and to help them be “truthful in words, honorable in actions.”

St. George’s helps students develop throughout our academic program, which is organized into interdisciplinary academic departments replicating the interconnected nature of the world. Our approach not only ensures that students develop the enduring skills necessary for future success, but that they have numerous opportunities to create connections in their learning that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries, from sailing on Geronimo, to traveling as a part of Global Studies, Rogers Scholars, or Dragons in Hollywood. Learning at St. George’s does not end at the classroom door, however, as faculty extend lessons into the dorms, onto athletic fields and the stage, and across a rich array of clubs and extracurricular activities.

We enroll students from around the country and around the world to create an intentional 24/7 learning environment, ensuring that students gain exposure to and learn from a diversity of perspectives. Through living and working alongside peers and adults from different backgrounds and experiences, students develop a deep and enduring respect for others. Students are held to - and they meet - high standards for their character, developing skills and habits that last a lifetime.

As St. George’s 13th head of school, I am honored to lead this incredible school community and excited for you to explore all we have to offer. I hope we will see you soon on campus so that you can experience for yourself everything that makes this school so unique.

Sincerely,
Michael Wirtz
Head of School

About Michael Wirtz

Michael Wirtz became the 13^th head of St. George’s on July 1, 2023, and throughout his career he has distinguished himself as a thoughtful, community-oriented educator, active in all aspects of school life.

Prior to joining us on the Hilltop, Mr. Wirtz served as the head of Hackley School, a K-12 independent school in Tarrytown, New York, from 2016-2023.

During his time at Hackley, Mr. Wirtz expanded educational opportunities for students, oversaw major campus improvements and worked to build a community where all students feel welcome. Prior to leading Hackley, he spent six years at St. Mark’s School where he served as Assistant Head of School/Dean of Faculty and led the school’s STEM education initiative. Before St. Mark’s, Mr. Wirtz taught for nine years at Concord Academy where he headed the science department and also served as a house parent, advisor, and coach.

Mr. Wirtz began his teaching career at The Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, Alabama, where he taught and coached for two years after transitioning from working as a research scientist at Pfizer Inc.

A graduate of Ohio University, Mr. Wirtz earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Summa Cum Laude, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Lambda of Ohio. He subsequently earned his master’s degree in policy, planning, and administration at Boston University.

Mr. Wirtz and his wife, Hilary, join the St. George’s community with their two children.

Q&A with Mr. Wirtz

What drew you to St. George’s?

There are so many reasons that this position and St. George’s captured my imagination. Certainly, I knew of St. George’s by reputation, but as I dug into the materials, I grew more impressed with and more excited by the school and all that is happening. The school’s size and its foundations as an Episcopal school are real strengths, both helping foster a sense of community united in shared values. Further, I find personal and professional resonance with the idea of constructive service to the world, a line from St. George’s mission that aligns with the reason I moved from the research lab to the classroom to start a career in education. Additionally, the work the community has done to support Our Horizon is inspiring and speaks to some of the work I have done in other schools.

What are the greatest challenges a school leader faces in today’s world? And what are the greatest opportunities?

Challenges and opportunities can be opposite sides of the same coin. In the highly polarized moment in which we live, one of the greatest challenges we face in schools (and more broadly) is engaging in civil, reasoned discourse with individuals with whom we might disagree.

In my experience, some of the most impactful learning experiences for students have been born of moments when they engage and develop relationships with individuals who have different ideas, experiences, backgrounds from their own. When a school can create an authentically diverse community and then foster open, respectful dialog across differences, it is an opportunity for students to learn from one another and to leverage the wisdom and experiences of all. This work is challenging, and yet at the same time, doing it well opens up students to new perspectives, helps them develop empathy, and forges stronger relationships and ultimately a stronger sense of community.

What do you want St. George's families and alumni to know about you?

Two things immediately come to mind: my family and my sense of humor. My wife, Hilary, and I have two children, both of whom have only lived on school campuses. Each of us values the experience of living in such a unique, close-knit environment, surrounded by students, colleagues, and friends. We are very much looking forward to moving to campus and to building new relationships at St. George’s.

Regarding my sense of humor, I often say that if you aren’t having fun in school, you are doing it wrong. I am quick with “dad jokes,” trying to lighten the mood when appropriate. School is obviously a place of learning - both intellectually and personally - but it should also be a place where students and adults experience joy. I aim to have fun at school, while also working hard.

You have a passion for science that eventually led to a career in education. Can you tell us about an experience with one of your classes, or an interaction with a student, that helped you affirm your chosen career path?

My first year of teaching was really challenging, both for me and for my students. At the bottom of the final exam, I wrote, “Any final thoughts or comments?” not knowing what to expect in return. When I graded the exams, I was surprised at the number of positive responses I had from my students. They thanked me for the year and commented on what they learned, even beyond chemistry. Those notes were really important to me as a first year teacher and they highlighted the impact that teachers have on their students. They were so meaningful, that I kept the notes, along with others I have received over the last 24 years. I so value the relationships I have formed with former students, seeing them establish their lives and careers post college. I am grateful that my career in education brought these individuals into my life and me into theirs.

As a new head of school, you’ll be learning a lot about St. George’s this year. What do you want to know from students? Faculty and staff? Alumni?

I want to approach this year as a scientist, collecting data and making observations. There is a lot of wisdom and history within the student body, adult community, and the St. George’s alumni body. I am eager to hear their stories, both what is working, what did not go well or was difficult, and thoughts on the ways we might make the school better going forward. One of the admirable characteristics of St. George’s is that it does not seem like a place content with its many successes. The school has tremendous ambitions for its educational program and for the continued growth of faculty and staff. I am excited to join a school that is always working to improve itself, and my goal is to tap into the experiences and knowledge of those already within the community to accelerate my learning process.

What is one thing you are glad you learned as a teenager?

I grew up in a family that valued hard work and prioritized education. I grew up working for my grandfather, who was really my first boss. He taught me about work ethic, expecting 100% effort and holding me to high standards, no matter the task. Further, my parents placed a high value on my education and that of my brothers. Neither of my parents attended a four-year college, so they were keen to provide this opportunity to us. I have tried to carry these lessons into my own life and career, as well as to instill them in my children.

Do you have any podcasts or favorite music you like to listen to? What’s your idea of relaxing (which I imagine is a rare occasion for you!)?

I’m pretty obsessed with golf, a sport I started playing when I was very young. It’s my greatest form of relaxation. When it comes to podcasts, it should be no surprise that they are golf-related, with two favorites being Chasing Scratch and The Golfer’s Journal.

As for music, I swore as a teacher that my taste in music would stay up with my students. Unfortunately, I gave up and thus my music tastes are frozen in the late 90’s.

What’s one thing you hope your children learn from you?

Tell us something about yourself we might be surprised by, or might not know otherwise.

Head of School Michael C. Wirtz at Alumni Weekend 2023.