Paul Amadio will be the next head of school at The Pennfield School beginning July 1.

Paul is an experienced school visionary, a charismatic leader, and a collaborative community builder with a proven track record in independent schools.”

Theodore Karousos, Pennfield School Board of Trustees

PORTSMOUTH — Paul Amadio has been named the new head of school at The Pennfield School, effective July 1. He succeeds Rob Kelley, who has served as head of school for nearly two decades.

Amadio comes from Verde Valley School, an International Baccalaureate independent, boarding and day high school in Sedona, Ariz., where he has been the head of school since 2015. 

“After more than 30 years working both in education and as a consultant to myriad non-profits, Paul is an experienced school visionary, a charismatic leader, and a collaborative community builder with a proven track record in independent schools,” said Theodore Karousos, who chairs the Pennfield School Board of Trustees. “

As we got to know Paul during the search process, it was clear that he understands our mission and values and that he will most certainly carry on our legacy of joy, understanding, and respect. It was also clear that Paul’s experience and vision are aligned with the strategic priorities set forth by the Board of Trustees and that his unwavering optimism, resiliency, empathy, and not to mention a great sense of humor, will epitomize and model a hopeful future for our kids, our institution, and our community. ” 

Amadio has been at the forefront of implementing programs and curriculum which advocate for social justice, promote belonging, and bolster adolescent mental health. A founding member of the Green Schools Alliance, he helped design experiential and innovative project-based programs. A particular focus of his has been to enhance curriculum by preserving academic rigor in traditional academic disciplines, while also introducing new pedagogy that ensures that students are equipped with the skills and capacities for jobs that do not yet exist, on methods and technologies that have not yet been developed. 

After eight years in Arizona, he said he’s excited to return to New England where his career in education began and where his family calls home. “I grew up in Central Massachusetts, graduated from Roger Williams, and even worked as an actor one summer at Astor’s Beechwood Mansion in Newport,” Amadio said. “I love this area. My family is here. I’m ‘wicked’ excited to return home, and my wife, Donita, and I cannot wait to get to Pennfield and Portsmouth.”

Amadio said Pennfield is a school “filled with joy, and the learning that I saw happening during my time on campus, both inside and outside the classroom, was profoundly inspiring. It is clear that Pennfield students are confident, academically prepared, and excellent ambassadors for the school.”

Schools must provide a culture of inclusivity and belonging, an ethos of self-efficacy and self-discovery, and be student-centered, he said. 

“Project-based learning that creates opportunities for collaboration and innovation, a dedicated social-emotional curriculum, and a call to embrace service opportunities, wherever possible, are all essential components of this work. Throughout their education, it's critical to ensure that our students know it is cool to be expressive and creative, and to make sure students know and understand their responsibility that they must take care of our planet through sustainable practices,” Amadio said.

Karousos said the school is grateful for Kelley’s support during the search process and for the profound impact has had on the community during his almost 20-year tenure. 

'Indelible mark'

“He has left an indelible mark on Pennfield, and for that we are forever grateful,” he said. “Rob continues to lead our school through this transition and I cannot thank him enough for the time he has committed to this process and for making sure our school has a seamless leadership transition.”

Founded in 1971, Pennfield is an independent school for children in grades preschool through grade 8, located on “Little Slocum Farm,” 19 acres of property abutting the Aquidneck Island Land Trust’s Sakonnet Greenway Trail and Glen Farm.