Berkeley Welcomes Lower Division Director Andy Hamilton
Tuesday, August 21 marks the beginning of the 2012-13 school year and the first day with students for Dr. Andy Hamilton, Berkeley’s new Director of Lower Division. Berkeley caught up with Dr. Hamilton to find out more about the man who will lead our youngest Buccaneers.
Hamilton, a graduate of Hobart College who earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts, comes to us from the Ojai Valley School in California, where he served as Headmaster of the Lower Campus. Hamilton’s professional experience includes long stints as teacher and school administrator in a number of excellent independent schools, and he brings a broad educational perspective to Berkeley. His time at Ojai Valley was marked by great progress and innovation in a number of areas. Hamilton and his wife Camille are the proud parents of Marshall ’19 and Lydia ’20.
Hamilton, a graduate of Hobart College who earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts, comes to us from the Ojai Valley School in California, where he served as Headmaster of the Lower Campus. Hamilton’s professional experience includes long stints as teacher and school administrator in a number of excellent independent schools, and he brings a broad educational perspective to Berkeley. His time at Ojai Valley was marked by great progress and innovation in a number of areas. Hamilton and his wife Camille are the proud parents of Marshall ’19 and Lydia ’20.
Q&A with Dr. Hamilton
What are you looking forward to most on August 21, the first day of school for students?
I can’t wait to see the excitement on the faces of both the kids and the parents. I love the activity of the handshakes, hugs and smiles. I’m also very excited to work with my faculty and staff. We have such a dedicated, caring staff that is obviously committed to high standards and a high work ethic.
What attracted you to Berkeley?
The main thing was the high quality of the programs offered here. I have enjoyed learning about the rich history and traditions of this school as well. I’m excited to be a part of it.
What are some of your goals, both short and long term, for the Lower Division?
I’d like to be involved in the work that is happening in the classrooms, so that means getting to know as many people as possible as quickly as possible. I look forward to building those relationships obviously with the teachers, but also with the students and parents. I want to oversee the highest quality program that we can provide while fostering a culture of excellence.
How is your family adjusting to life in Tampa?
We are still adjusting! We moved from California over the summer and have been doing quite a bit of remodeling in our new home. Marshall and Lydia have both attended Summer Programs on campus so they have had a chance to become familiar with the school. My children, wife and I have all been accepted to the Berkeley community with open arms. We feel very fortunate to have been welcomed and accepted in the way that we have.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family. We have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel during breaks and that is something we always look forward to. Right now we are busy setting up our new home and creating a life here in Tampa, so I think that is a hobby in itself! I do like to play golf and get out on the water when I can.
Berkeley Preparatory School
Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.