Parents
News
Summer
GivingUpcoming Milestones - Spring 2022
Southern Association of Independent School Accreditation
PDS has been an accredited member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) for many years. As educators firmly committed to offering a robust academic program, we have partnered with SAIS, which is known for representing the finest in academic standards in independent schools. With each re-accreditation that focuses on a thorough self-study of the institution and elements of strategic planning, we welcome the challenge. We approach this process in a growth mindset, always looking to improve our school's educational experience for boys. PDS begins the re-accreditation process this year, culminating with a site visit by a cohort of fellow educators in 2023.
Parent Survey Coming Soon
PDS has been an accredited member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) for many years. As educators firmly committed to offering a robust academic program, we have partnered with SAIS, which is known for representing the finest in academic standards in independent schools. With each re-accreditation that focuses on a thorough self-study of the institution and elements of strategic planning, we welcome the challenge. We approach this process in a growth mindset, always looking to improve our school's educational experience for boys. PDS begins the re-accreditation process this year, culminating with a site visit by a cohort of fellow educators in 2023.
McKee Humphreys ‘95 to Become Assistant Head of School at MUS
The school has been blessed to have McKee Humphreys '95 as Assistant Head for Advancement. His steady leadership has helped steward the school's Advancement Office. We are incredibly grateful for McKee's leadership and wish him the best as he makes a transition next year into the role of Assistant Head of School at MUS.
"I am beyond thankful to have been at PDS these past eight years. There is truly no place like it, and I am grateful that I got to be a part of the day-to-day life of this amazing school. I have been truly blessed with great colleagues, to work daily with the Advancement Team, to get to know so many amazing families, and of course, to work with the boys. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you PDS for all you have done for my family and me."
New Chief Advancement Officer: Chris Oliver
This summer we will welcome our new Chief Advancement Officer, Chris Oliver. We are very excited to welcome Chris to the Leadership Team and are grateful for the leadership he will bring to PDS.
Chris Oliver is a native Memphian and cares deeply about the city. He and his wife Kandis have three sons (Cohen, Jonah, and Jude) and live in Midtown. The Olivers have been members of Downtown Church for over ten years. Before coming to PDS, Chris has worked at New Hope Christian Academy, Alcy Ball Development Corporation, and Advance Memphis. For the last 13 years, he has dedicated his efforts in nonprofit leadership and strategic development in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Chris earned a master's from The University of Mississippi, his bachelor's from Middle Tennessee State, and was a Memphis Fellow at Second Presbyterian Church. He enjoys biking, camping and the outdoors, playing soccer, and cheering on local sports teams.
"I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the PDS family and look forward to getting more acquainted with everyone that makes the school a special place. As PDS is a leader in educating and developing boys, I am excited to continue building a foundation for these students as they learn about God and His creation. I am eager to partner with you as we invest in the boys at PDS."
New Position: Director of Research & Innovation for Boys' Education
PDS has always been in the vanguard of boys' education. As an institution always learning what works best for boys, PDS will continue the pursuit of excellence by fostering among boys the best habits of independent thought and learning founded on evidence-informed practice.
Emily Lequerica will lead PDS in advancing evidence-informed practice in boys' education, serving as a resource to educators and our families. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi and a Masters in Education from Christian Brothers University. She has trained at Harvard University in their New & Aspiring Leaders Program as well as Harvard's Project Zero. She is currently participating in the New & Emerging Leaders program associated with Vanderbilt University.
In her thirteen years at PDS, Emily has served as a Junior Kindergarten teacher, Director of Early Childhood Programs, Assistant Director of Admission, and as an associate in the PDS Advancement office.
