ABOUT ME

Hi – My name is Chip Houston. Leading in an era of educational transformation, I have 19 years experience in private and public school education. I have served as Head of Upper School, Head of Middle School, and Director of Admissions at The Mount Vernon School in Sandy Springs, Georgia for the past decade. During this time, I assembled high performing teams, directed marketing campaigns, and implemented a wide range of initiatives in classrooms, curriculum, and overall school design. I recently earned my EdD in Education Leadership from the University of Georgia. My doctoral thesis focused on the impact of professional learning in Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) science for teachers. I have attended Northpoint Community Church for 18 years with my wife and three sons. Please read the highlights of some of my key projects and initiatives below.

HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta | 2017-2020

Responsible for advancing the school’s mission and vision. Led a team of 50 faculty including all academic departments, college counseling, innovation diploma, academic resource, global travel, and “maker" program. Oversaw the curriculum and educational experience of MV’s largest division with 425 Upper School students in grades 9-12. Cultivated shared culture, led professional development, and maintained high stakeholder engagement. 

• Led transition into new Upper School building

• Implemented new modular schedule 

• Recruited, interviewed, hired, and onboarded new faculty 

• Assisted in execution of Pioneer Tomorrow Capital Campaign 

• Co-Chair of Research, Design, & Iteration PLC: Mind, Brain, and Education Science 

• Experience with Project Based Learning, Design Thinking, and Competency Based Education

• Co-led student trips to Israel, Germany, and Spain

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta | 2012-2017 

Oversaw the curriculum and educational experience of 320+ students in grades 5-8 on two campuses. Led team of 35 Faculty. Launched and implemented new initiatives including: Student-led conferences, Instructional Rounds, 1:1 laptop program, student e-portfolios, badging/micro-credentialing, and Project-Based Learning

• Led board committee to help design new strategic plan MVX (2017-2022) 

• Assisted in execution of Charging Ahead Capital Campaign 

• Oversaw budget and expenditures including staff salaries, professional learning, and supplies

• Chaired Social Science RDI Team, responsible for vertical alignment of PS-12

• Led redesign of learning spaces with Atlanta K12 Design Thinking Challenge and Howard R. Dobbs Foundation

• Co-designed chapel experience including themes, speaking, music, and Bible reading

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
The Mount Vernon School | Atlanta | 2010 – 2012 

Responsible for enrollment management, annual admissions process, and marketing of the school for PS-12. Led “campus as brand” initiative. Grew enrollment and increased retention to first ever 90%, coming out of a downward enrollment trend from 2008 recession

• Developed and implemented new strategic iPlan17 (2012-2017) 

• Redrafted school’s mission, rebranded campus and promotional materials 

• Collaborated to create 21st Century competencies – the MV Mindsets 

• Strategically redesigned and expanded admissions events including open houses, private tours, group tours, and interview formats for greater customization and storytelling 

• Launched and implemented new International Students Admissions Program, created new coordinator position