FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Mitch Leff, 404-861-4769, mitch@leffassociates.com

MARIETTA, GA, December 14, 2015 -- The Walker School, an independent pre-k to 12th grade school in Cobb County, has named Michael Arjona as the new principal of its Upper School. Arjona will begin his duties July 1, 2016, reporting to Head of School Jack Hall.

Arjona, an alumnus of The Walker School, has been a teacher and administrator there for thirteen years. He takes over from Bob Murphy, who retires at the end of the 2016 school year after serving as the Upper School’s principal for 18 years.

“Michael was the unanimous selection of the search committee,” said Hall. “He is a leader of exceptional quality and professional skill, with the ability to continue our traditions while executing forward-thinking initiatives.” The search committee that selected Arjona was composed of students, trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and Walker parents.

He has taught history and social studies, and has been responsible for the coordination and alignment of the school’s curriculum from preschool through 12th grade. His previous positions at The Walker School include:

• Director of Studies, Upper School, 2013 - present
• Upper School Academic Dean, 2008 - 13
• Academic Team Coach, 2010 - present
• Chair, Strategic Planning & SAIS/SACS Accreditation Coordinator, 2011 - 13
• AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics teacher, 2002 - present

“I’m very honored by the opportunity to lead The Walker School’s Upper School,” said Arjona. “We will continue to provide an engaging educational experience, developing well-rounded students who are prepared to succeed in college and life.”

Bob Murphy, whom Arjona will be succeeding, said, “I have worked with Michael for 13 years, and have known him even longer than that.  He is a gifted educator, a talented and dedicated administrator and I believe he is the perfect choice to lead our Upper School in the years to come.”

Arjona holds numerous awards in the field of education including being selected as an Economics Educator of Distinction in 2005, a STAR teacher in 2006 and Economics Teacher of the Year for the state of Georgia in 2007. He is also a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholar and an Editorial Board Member of Klingbrief, a publication for independent school educators.

A 1997 graduate of The Walker School, Arjona earned his BA in Economics from Duke University, his MA in Economics from Georgia State University and his M.Ed in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. He lives in Kennesaw, Georgia.

About The Walker SchoolLocated in Cobb County, The Walker School is one of Metro Atlanta’s top-ranked independent schools, providing a classic liberal arts education for students in Cobb and surrounding counties. Walker prepares young people for college and life by balancing a personalized curriculum with a challenging “STEA3M” academic program and opportunities in fine arts, languages, research and athletics.

Founded in 1957, the school today serves more than 900 students, building critical thinking in students ages three to 18. Walker offers Preschool (Early learners, Pre-K & K), Lower School (1st – 5th), Middle School (6th – 8th) and Upper School (9th – 12th).

In 2014, 100 percent of graduating students were accepted to college. The school offers 25 AP courses and 73 percent scored 3-plus on AP exams. For more information, visit www.thewalkerschool.org or call (678) 581-0478.