David J. Farace

Dave Farace is McDonogh’s 13th Head of School and a former employee, current parent, and alumnus who attended McDonogh as a scholarship student.

He has dedicated his entire career to independent schools. Farace's professional life started right here at McDonogh where, over the course of more than a decade, he held various positions including Director of Upper School Admissions, Director of Alumni Relations, and Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. He also directed the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Leadership Program, taught and coached in the Middle and Upper Schools, and he and his wife, Becky, served as campus parents to their boarding students.

In 2007, Farace moved to Alabama where he served as Director of Advancement and External Affairs at Randolph School in Huntsville. Two years later, he became the Head of School at Montgomery Academy where he served for five years. In 2015, he became Head of School at The Bolles School, a coeducational PK–12-day and boarding institution in Florida.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree from Johns Hopkins University. Farace is also a NAIS/E.E. Ford Fellow, which is granted to individuals who successfully complete this distinguished leadership development program for independent school leaders.