Charleston Collegiate names new head of school

By Charleston Mercury Staff

Michelle Purghart. Image provided.

One of Charleston’s most prestigious independent schools has announced a new head of school, and all of us at the Mercury want to congratulate their incoming leader: Dr. Michelle Purghart.

Dr. Purghart will be joining the school this July, relocating from Vienna, Austria, where she currently serves as head of school at the Danube International School. Her past accolades include principalships in Pasadena and Glendale, California, and she is well known in academic circles for her creative thinking and organizational abilities.

She brings more than 25 years’ experience to the John’s Island school, having worked as worked as a teacher, coach, choreographer, curriculum development leader and fundraiser.

“We were tasked with finding a leader who’d fit our school’s culture, mission and unique philosophy,” said Amanda Horn, chairman of the board. “Given that we found her halfway around the world, I think most people would agree the search was plenty extensive. Needless to say, we’re certain we made the right choice.”

The current head of school, Dr. Bob Veto, is stepping into a well-earned retirement after working in education since 1975.

Dr. Purghart, let us be among the first to welcome you to your new home in the Lowcountry, and the first to tell you, “It’s not the heat — it’s the humidity.”