Welcome, Interim Head of School Andy Watson

For Andy Watson, returning to Fountain Valley School is a homecoming.

"I wouldn't have believed you if you told me, in 1981, that I would return 45 years later to a school I love," Andy reflects. "It feels like coming home."

Andy first arrived on the Prairie in 1981 as a young mathematics teacher, eager to begin his career in education. Over the next decade, he became an integral part of the Fountain Valley community, serving as Math Department Chair, Director of Studies, Academic Dean, dorm head, varsity tennis coach, and junior varsity basketball coach while teaching courses from Algebra through BC Calculus. Interestingly, during that time, he also served on the School's Head Search Committee.

Those years at Fountain Valley shaped the course of his life.

"The School provided training and experience that propelled me to my professional purpose in life," he says. "It also introduced me to memorable colleagues and students, and I already see that happening again."Following his time at FVS, Andy served as Upper School Head at The Potomac School in Virginia before leading Albuquerque Academy as Head of School for nineteen years. During his tenure, the school expanded enrollment and diversity, strengthened its mission, launched innovative academic and community programs, advanced sustainability initiatives, and completed a $26.8 million comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Most recently, Andy served as a Senior Search Consultant with DRG Talent and Advisory Group, partnering with independent schools across the country to recruit senior leaders and helping shape the future of independent education nationwide. He has also served on numerous educational boards and organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Global Online Academy, the Educational Records Bureau, the Harvard Principals’ Center, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of all these opportunities, Andy says serving on the faculty of the NAIS Institute for New Heads was the most meaningful, allowing him to mentor the next generation of independent school leaders.

From 2022 to 2026, Andy served on the Fountain Valley School Board of Trustees, including two years as Treasurer, remaining deeply engaged in the School's mission and future.

As Interim Head of School, Andy returns at a pivotal moment in Fountain Valley's history. Following the celebration of 50 years of coeducation and looking ahead to the School's centennial in 2030, he sees a community that has strengthened its sense of place in the American West, invested in exceptional faculty and leadership, improved student satisfaction and retention, and embarked on transformative campus projects that will serve generations of students to come.

For Andy, however, the true heart of Fountain Valley has always been its people.

"The only thing missing for me at the moment? Students," he says. "I've already spent hours thinking about supporting students and faculty as school begins in August."While his role is to provide thoughtful leadership during this year of transition, Andy also hopes to help assist the search for Fountain Valley's next permanent Head of School. Drawing on his recent experience in executive search, he is confident in the remarkable talent emerging within independent school leadership and looks forward to engaging the community in the process ahead.

One of the reflections that has stayed with Andy for years comes from alumnus and former Trustee Jerry Frautschi ’49, who once said, “I hope my children grow up to love a place as much as I love Fountain Valley School." He has shared those words many times because, to him, they capture something profoundly true about the lasting impact of a place that shapes lives and inspires lifelong connection.

As he begins this new chapter, Andy brings with him more than four decades of leadership, service, and educational experience, but perhaps most importantly, he brings a deep affection for the School that first launched his career.
"I'm all in," he says. "I hope you are, too. We'll see where we can go together.
Go Danes!

Andy Watson
Interim Head of School

View FVS's Strategic PlaN FOR 2030