Head of School Announcement
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and St. Stephen’s Church, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Farrar Richardson as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. This unanimous decision by the Board follows the enthusiastic recommendation of the Search Committee.
Mrs. Richardson will succeed Michael Robinson, who has been providing exceptional leadership to our community as Interim Head of School. We are deeply grateful for his steady guidance this year. Mr. Robinson will work closely with Mrs. Richardson in the coming months to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Currently serving as Head of Middle School, Mrs. Richardson brings a wealth of experience in education, having previously taught middle school English, served as a learning specialist, and taught both first- and fifth-grade students. Upon accepting the appointment, Mrs. Richardson shared, "From the moment I stepped on campus, I understood that I was in the presence of a community committed to providing a joyful educational experience, grounded in compassion and academic excellence, all within the enduring values of the Episcopalian faith. I am honored to partner with the outstanding team already in place to love, care for, and lead St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School."
The Search Committee was immediately struck by Mrs. Richardson’s deep commitment to independent schools, her understanding of the developmental needs of young learners, and her vision for preparing students for success in middle school and beyond. Her clear and effective communication style, combined with her collaborative approach to leadership, make her the ideal leader to guide St. Stephen’s into its next chapter. From the outset, the Committee appreciated her warmth, sincerity, and student-centered focus.
We are also pleased to welcome Mrs. Richardson’s husband, Dr. Alex Richardson, to our community. A seasoned educator in his own right, Dr. Richardson has most recently served as a university dean and professor of English, in addition to his prior experience as a middle school English teacher and coach. The Richardsons have two adult children: their daughter Zelle, who lives in New York City, and their son Bishop, who resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Mrs. Richardson was selected from a highly qualified pool of candidates through a comprehensive national search, led by Katherine Stuart and Vicki Raney of The Education Group. We extend our sincere thanks to the Search Committee for their dedication and tireless work throughout this process. We are also grateful to the entire community for their continued support and involvement.
Please join us in welcoming Farrar and Alex to St. Stephen’s and to Miami. We are thrilled that they are joining our school family, and we look forward to the exciting future ahead.
Sincerely,
Josh Moody
Chair, Board of Trustees
