Dear George Jackson Academy Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ramón Javier as the Head of School of George Jackson Academy.

Ramón brings to us nearly two decades of leadership experience at some of the most pre-eminent independent schools and educational access programs in New York City. Since 2016 he has been Director of Equity and Inclusion at Trinity School, where he acted as the senior administrator responsible for creating an inclusive environment grounded in academic rigor and equitable practices, while working closely with the Board of Trustees. Prior to Trinity, Ramón was Director of Diversity and Equity at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn from 2012-2016. 

A graduate of Williams College, Ramón earned a Masters of Education (Ed.M.) and M.A. in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University, and served as one of two founding mental health counselors at KIPP NYC College Prep from 2009-2012. Before that he worked at The TEAK Fellowship and Prep for Prep, both of which are premier education access programs that help to prepare underserved, high achieving students for acceptance to, and success in, the nation’s most select secondary schools and colleges. 

As a native New Yorker and Prep for Prep alumnus himself, Ramón comes to GJA with an intimate knowledge of the enormous potential of middle school boys as well as a deep understanding of their needs and the challenges they and their families face.

“I am excited and honored to serve as the next Head of School at George Jackson Academy,” Ramón tells me. “From the moment that I walked through the blue doors, I felt a deep connection to the school. I step into this role keenly aware of the incredible work that has taken place at GJA since its inception. I am eager to build on that legacy and develop lasting relationships with the faculty, staff, families, alumni, Trustees, and our partner schools—all in service of the amazing boys of George Jackson Academy.”

Ramón’s selection culminates an intensive search process overseen by GJA Trustee Paul Williams that identified many highly qualified applicants. The GJA Search Committee was advised by Ann Sullivan of Sullivan Stein, working with Mary Claire Ryan, co-founder of the Cornelia Connelly Center. 

“We are blessed to have been able to find a leader like Ramón to guide the school and our boys,” says Brother Brian Carty, our Founder and a member of the Board’s Search Committee.  “I see in him many of the same qualities I saw in George Jackson, when I first had the privilege of teaching him as a student fifty years ago. I am impressed by Ramón’s empathy, integrity, vision and energy. I am convinced he will live the mission of the school.” 

These are stirring times at GJA.  We have come through the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic with flying colors. I am pleased to report that the school has never been in a stronger position—academically, operationally or financially—to fulfill our mission to educate high achieving boys, regardless of their economic means, and to inspire in them courage, integrity, empathy and leadership. 

We are excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our founding during the school year 2023-2024. We look forward to building on our past successes under Ramón’s leadership.   

Ramón will begin his tenure as Head of School in July. I would like to thank Brother Brian for his tireless work over the last few months as Interim Head of School.

George Jackson Academy is an independent, non-sectarian, need-blind middle school designed for bright boys from underserved communities. Our students are encouraged to think critically, to engage academically, and to value their intellects as unique and precious gifts. Our program focuses young men on supportive, engaging academic and social development at the most critical time in their lives. Our single-minded devotion to that mission is driven by the passion and unwavering commitment of the School's outstanding faculty and staff, Trustees and supporters. 

Please join me in welcoming Ramón, his wife, Christine, and his daughters, Sofia and Maya, to our community. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees,

Sincerely,

Steve Lipman

Board Chair