Head of School Bio

Ethan Shapiro - Head of School (2017 - Present)

Ethan Shapiro became Interim Head of School at Saint Andrew’s School in July 2017 and was named the school's 10th Head of School, beginning January 1, 2019. He continues to deliver on the school’s mission of developing every child in mind, body, and spirit.

Shapiro has more than 35 years of independent school experience, including 29 years at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he worked in various administrative, academic, and coaching roles including Dean of Faculty, Director of Summer School, Dean of Students, Russian Language and History Instructor, Resident Life Faculty, and Varsity Wrestling Coach. He was also a History teacher at the Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts. 

As part of the development of Saint Andrew’s ambitious Master Campus Plan in 2017, Shapiro was at the helm of restoring and expanding the physical plant, most recently, the construction of the Dr. Albert Cohen Family Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Kessler Digital Media Institute. Under Shapiro’s leadership, Saint Andrew’s received the financial support to fund the completion of Justin Hall, Henderson Hall, Parker Library, the Charles Family Reading Center, and a number of Upper School classroom renovations. 

In 2022, Shapiro played a key role in securing the two largest philanthropic gifts in Saint Andrew’s history, which will make way for the reconstruction of Rooks Memorial Science Hall. The historic building, first opened in 1963, is one of the first and oldest buildings on campus. The new, two-story design of Rooks Hall will enhance collaboration, advance cross-discipline curriculum design, and promote innovations in teaching and learning. 

Over his career, Shapiro has led work on strategic plans, including Vision 2020 and SA’s current strategic plan, a robust initiative of five concentrations, which was launched at the start of the 2021-22 school year. Shapiro continues to serve as a tireless proponent and influencer regarding academic and curricular matters, faculty management and recruitment initiatives, capital campaigns, resident life training, reporting laws, and budget management. He earned the respect of his professional colleagues for his intellect, leadership, organization, and his undying commitment to students and faculty.

Throughout his academic tenure, which has spanned the Eastern Seaboard, Shapiro has received numerous honors including the Rupert Radford Faculty Fellowship Award, Harlan G. Ellis Instructorship, and Phillips Exeter Faculty Prize. During his tenure at Saint Andrew’s, Shapiro has been featured in numerous premier publications. He has also received community recognition from the Boca Chamber of Commerce, which named him Business Leader of the Year in 2022. 

Shapiro received a B.A. in History from Colby College and an M.A. in Russian Language and Literature from Middlebury College. He lives on the campus of Saint Andrew’s and is the proud parent of five children - ranging from High School to College years.