Joy McGrath

Head of School at St. Andrew's School

Joy McGrath is the Head of School at St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Delaware. She began her tenure as the fifth head of school on July 1, 2021, making history as the first woman and the first St. Andrew's alumnus to hold this position.1 2

Background and Education

Joy McGrath graduated from St. Andrew's School in 1992 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from Harvard University, where she majored in sociology.1 2

Career Highlights

St. Andrew's School:

Head of School (July 2021 - Present)
Head of School Elect (October 2020 - July 2021)
Director of Advancement (May 1999 - June 2007)

During her earlier tenure at St. Andrew's, McGrath was the first woman to serve as a boys' dorm parent, taught IV Form English, and launched the school's Organic Garden.2

Yale University:

Chief of Staff (July 2013 - October 2020)
Special Assistant (January 2013 - July 2013)
Special Assistant to the Provost (December 2010 - January 2013)
Director of Development, Yale College (June 2007 - December 2010)

At Yale, McGrath managed critical functions including strategic planning, development, project management, and communications. She also led Yale's emergency response to COVID-19.2

Personal Life

Joy McGrath is a native of Smyrna, Delaware, and entered St. Andrew's as a V Former with the help of the school's financial aid program. She is married to Ty Jones, a 1992 classmate from St. Andrew's.2

Leadership Philosophy

As Head of School, McGrath is committed to strengthening St. Andrew's financial aid program and collaborating with the entire school community to nurture the institution while challenging it to live up to its responsibilities to one another and the world.2