Francis Parker School of Louisville Welcomes Dr. Gabe Grabarek as the New Associate Head of School – High School

Dear Francis Parker Community,

After a comprehensive national search in partnership with Carney Sandoe & Associates, we are thrilled to announce that Dr. Gabe Grabarek will join Francis Parker School of Louisville as our new Associate Head of School – High School, beginning July 1, 2025.

Gabe brings over two decades of experience in Independent Schools, a deep passion for student-centered learning, and a commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning — all of which align beautifully with our mission and core values. Gabe shares our belief that school should be a joyful place where students feel inspired, valued, and empowered to grow. 

A Leader Rooted in Scholarship, Community, and Student Well-Being

A native of northern Indiana, Gabe earned his B.A. in Classics from Indiana University before earning an M.A. in Greek and Latin at Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Classical Civilization from Indiana University. Throughout his 23-year career in education, he has been a dedicated educator and leader, serving in a variety of roles that reflect his holistic approach to education.

Gabe has taught Latin and Greek at all levels — from middle school to college — at esteemed Independent Schools, including Sage Ridge School (NV), Pope John Paul II High School (TN), and MICDS (MO), as well as at Indiana University. His leadership experience includes serving as Associate Head of School for Academics at Thomas Jefferson School (MO) and, most recently, as Head of Upper and Middle School at Wayne Country Day School (NC), where he oversaw all aspects of academic and student life, including curriculum development, faculty support, admissions, and student well-being.

Beyond the classroom, Gabe has enriched school communities by coaching basketball and weightlifting, leading student travel experiences abroad, directing summer programs, and serving as a dorm leader at a boarding school. His ability to build relationships with students, faculty, and families makes him a natural fit for this role in leading our high school forward. Gabe states: "My passion is creating schools where students and teachers thrive — where learning is joyful, curiosity is ignited, and every student is known and supported. Francis Parker’s commitment to intellectual exploration, individuality, and justice deeply resonates with me, and I am eager to become part of this dynamic and caring community."

Welcoming Gabe and His Family to Louisville

We are excited to welcome Gabe, his fiancée Kristie Parker, and their family to Louisville this summer! Gabe’s son, Jacoby Edgar (20), is a sophomore at Gonzaga University. Kristie’s daughter, Keely Parker (18), is a high school senior planning to attend Bellarmine, U of L, or IU, and her son, Rhys Parker (15), will be joining Francis Parker as a 10th grader next year.

Gabe will visit us this spring to connect with our community and prepare for his transition. We invite parents, students, and alumni to meet him at a Welcome Coffee on Monday, April 21, at 8:50 a.m. in the Space for Thought at the Downtown Campus.

Please join us in extending a warm Francis Parker welcome to Gabe and his family!

Sincerely,

Alexandra S. Thurstone G'80, '84

Head of School

A Message To The Community From Gabe:

In my initial interactions with Francis Parker School, what immediately grabbed my attention was the intentional and unwavering commitment to Progressive education. Making the city of Louisville, and not just the school building itself, their classroom allows faculty the freedom to ignite creativity in their students, and it provides students the opportunities to be active participants in their education.

Louisville is the hometown of one of my lifelong idols, Muhammad Ali. And in his hometown and final resting place, it is all the more imperative to continue his work regarding civil rights and fundamental humanity. Francis Parker has placed DEIB work at the center of what they do. This courageous work is something I want to be a part of, and I have every intention of keeping the momentum going that Francis Parker has already created.

As I toured the School, met the faculty, and interacted with the students, it became clear to me that Francis Parker lives up to its mission of Progressive education and student-centered learning. There were science labs going on and academic discussions in the hallways. Music was being played in one room, and in the next students were exercising during their free period. What I witnessed was a holistic approach to education.

The best way to lead is to serve, and I am honored and humbled that Alexandra has given me this opportunity to lead at such a gem of a school. The magic of Francis Parker happens both in and out of the classroom, so it is with excitement and determination that I will preserve, protect, and foster the sanctity of a Francis Parker education. There is already such a strong administrative team in place, both at the Goshen and Downtown Campuses, that I'm looking forward to joining and working with for years to come.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gabe Grabarek

(Students, please feel free to call me Dr. G!)

Francis Parker School of Louisville cultivates a joyful, compassionate, intellectual community that celebrates individuality and inspires independent thinking for life.