D-E recently introduced our next Head of School, Dr. James Calleroz White (aka Dr. CW), who officially begins his tenure on July 1, 2025, by way of a “Fireside Chat” held during Dr. CW’s visit to our campus in late November.
Dr. CW, who holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University, a Master’s in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, brings to D-E a distinguished record of accomplishments and an impressive background in independent school leadership, innovation, and student-focused community building.
Currently serving as Head of School at The Galloway School in Atlanta, Dr. CW and his family traveled to D-E to meet with faculty, staff, and students. The Fireside Chat, held on Monday, November 25, provided an opportunity for our parents to meet our incoming Head of School.
I’m excited to be a part of this community
This was a discussion format with Board of Trustees President Ami Vaidya ’91, P ’24, P ’26, who sat on the Search Committee for the next Head of School. Ms. Vaidya says the committee started with 120 candidates across the United States and beyond. Eventually Dr. CW and one other finalist remained, both of whom underwent extensive vetting and executive assessments.
“I’m excited to be a part of this community,” said Dr. CW, who will be joining D-E with his wife, Dr. Mistalene Calleroz White—an educator herself—and their three children, Isalyn (10th grade), Amaya (9th grade), and Ismael (4th grade).
Dr. CW talked about his personal journey, born and raised in Kentucky, with grandparents who instilled in him the importance of higher education. “A resume only tells part of the story,” he said. Although he’s a Harvard grad, he admits he didn’t always know what the eight Ivy League universities were. “To me, Brown was a color!” he quipped.
“supposed to be a lawyer”
He said he often felt like a fish out of water at Harvard and was “supposed to be a lawyer.” It wasn’t until he worked at EF Educational Tours, an organization that assists with student travel, that he found his calling in education—and never looked back. “I fell in love with working with kids,” he said. “Education is one of those professions that has the capacity to change the world.”
In expressing his excitement to join D-E, Dr. CW said, “Dwight-Englewood is not only a good school, but has the potential to be a great school…and I want to be the lead learner for this community.” He added that the core values of D-E spoke to him directly when deciding to take on this important role.
Dr. CW said he is most excited about the School’s proximity to New York City and establishing partnerships with organizations that can offer cutting-edge opportunities for D-E students and faculty. “I’m intent on doing incredible work together,” he said.
When asked about how he would support D-E faculty, Dr. CW referred to them as the “boots on the ground” and remarked on the many years of service that so many teachers at D-E have delivered. “It’s rare that faculty have such longevity…and make that lifetime of commitment.” He said he is open to new ideas, including a teacher who he recalled wanted to introduce a 3D Chocolate Printer to their curriculum, and to support teachers in their work.
“I’m intent on doing incredible work together”
He’s also hopeful about the possibilities that artificial intelligence offers, such as for students to ask better questions. “We have to be relevant and intentional,” he said. To innovate, “I want to partner with industries to provide [students] real-world opportunities.”
In terms of how he would foster a diverse, inclusive environment at D-E, Dr. C.W. acknowledged the inherent difficulty in the task but stressed the importance of “bringing people in” when inevitable conflicts arise.
Dr. CW also revealed personal details about himself, including his having dyslexia, which he said he uses as a tool in his toolbox—his “superpower.” In addition, he said he will never turn down a meeting with anyone and does not make promises he cannot keep.
As Galloway School’s Head of School, Dr. CW mentors five students, a counseling role he said keeps him connected to the student body. He concluded, “We have a lot to learn from our kids.”
Watch the entire fireside chat with Dr. CW—as well as an excerpt of the highlights—on the Head of School Search site.
