CGPS to Install Rey Fernández as Head of School on July 1, 2026
Experienced CGPS Academic Leader to Take Reins at Start of 2026-2027 Year
Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Rey Fernández as the next Head of School, beginning July 1, 2026. Mr. Fernández has more than two decades of educational leadership experience and has served in his current role as Assistant Head of School with CGPS since 2020.
“Rey Fernández is a passionate educator and innovative leader who garnered the unanimous and enthusiastic support of the Board of Trustees as the perfect person to lead our school into its next chapter,” CGPS Board Chair Meredith Verona said.
“CGPS is a family community with a unifying commitment to our mission and core values in the education of our students. Rey’s intentional focus on building trusting relationships with students, faculty and families, and his deep connection and commitment to the CGPS made him our clear choice. He possesses exceptional vision, coupled with unrivaled knowledge and genuine love for CGPS. We couldn’t be more excited to see him step into this role next year.”
Mr. Fernández has led the academic program and strategic initiatives for CGPS for the past five years. Among his many contributions to CGPS, he led the School through the rigorous NYSAIS accreditation process and was the key architect of the operations plan for the School’s COVID response and campus protocols that allowed students to be back on campus together as quickly as possible.
“I am filled with gratitude and humility for this opportunity and for the trust our Board of Trustees has placed in me,” said Mr. Fernández. “There is something truly special about CGPS that makes it stand apart – this community maintains an unwavering commitment to cultivating the aspirations and promise of young people through a dynamic and nurturing learning environment. We know this best supports their learning, growth and ability to live healthy and full lives of purpose. It will be an honor to lead the outstanding CGPS faculty and staff, who are equally invested in our students’ academic and personal pursuits.
“I am also excited to work this year alongside Head of School Will Moseley and to have his full support as his successor. He is a personal mentor whom I deeply respect and admire, and we share a unified commitment to extend the incredible CGPS legacy this year and for many years to come.”
This news follows Mr. Moseley’s announcement of his departure at the end of the school year in June 2026. “It is an incredible honor to serve as Head of School of CGPS. From the very beginning, I have been inspired by the warmth and spirit of our students, families, alumni, faculty and staff, and the wisdom and support of the Board of Trustees. Working alongside such thoughtful and dedicated leaders is a great privilege and, together with our remarkable faculty and staff, they make CGPS the extraordinary community it is,” said Mr. Moseley.
The Board expressed their sincere gratitude for Will’s leadership, as well. “Will is an outstanding school leader who cares deeply about our school. He has brought invaluable experience and wisdom to CGPS,” said Ms. Verona.
“We are also grateful to have the full year ahead of Will’s leadership, working side-by-side with Rey to affect a seamless and uninterrupted CGPS experience for our students and to ensure a smooth and stable leadership transition next July. We remain united in our commitment to the continued momentum and success of CGPS for many years to come.”
Mr. Fernández holds a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Harvard University, and an MBA from the prestigious Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. While his academic and professional pursuits have taken him around the country, he is a proud New Yorker and a graduate of Riverdale Country School.