Spartanburg Day School

Spartanburg Day School is pleased to announce the appointment of Lincoln Gray as its next Head of Middle School, following an extensive national search in partnership with Carney Sandoe & Associates, one of the largest independent school search firms in the country.

Gray, currently serving as Head of Middle School at Canterbury School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, brings a wealth of leadership experience in independent school education. With a career spanning roles such as Upper School Dean of Students, Director of Summer Programs, Associate Director of College Counseling, and Foreign Language Department Chair, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and student growth. Additionally, his experience as a teacher-coach across multiple sports underscores his dedication to whole-child development.

“Lincoln’s passion for middle school education, combined with his leadership experience and dedication to student success, make him an excellent fit for Spartanburg Day School,” said Dave Skeen, Head of School at Spartanburg Day School. “We are excited to welcome him and his family to our community.”

A lifelong learner, Gray holds a B.A. in Spanish and Sociology from Denison University, a Master of Arts in Spanish from Appalachian State University, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Innovation from Purdue Global University, with an expected completion date of July 2025.

Lincoln, his wife, Beth, and their four children—Georgia (21), Lucy (19), Mitchell (16), and Annie (11)—will relocate to Spartanburg this summer.

Upon his appointment, Gray shared his enthusiasm for joining Spartanburg Day School:

“I am deeply honored and grateful to be joining the Spartanburg Day School community as the next Head of Middle School. Spartanburg Day School has a rich tradition of academic excellence, a strong commitment to athletics and the arts, and a warm, inclusive community—values that align perfectly with my own educational philosophy.

Middle school is a transformative time, and I look forward to working alongside a world-class faculty, engaged students, and supportive families to create an environment where every student feels challenged, valued, and inspired. This is an exciting time for SDS, and the positive energy is palpable.

I am eager to get to know the students, families, and staff who make SDS such a special place. My family and I are sincerely grateful for the kindness, hospitality, and support that we have already experienced. We cannot wait to embark on this journey. Go Griffins!”

Spartanburg Day School looks forward to the leadership, passion, and vision that Gray will bring to the Middle School division.

About Spartanburg Day School
Spartanburg Day School is a premier independent school dedicated to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and character development for students from 2s through 12th grade. Through a commitment to personalized learning and a supportive community, SDS prepares students to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens.

For more information, visit spartanburgdayschool.org.