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Fort Dale Academy has launched a search for its next head of school following the announcement that current headmaster David Sikes will step down at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

“Mr. Sikes has led us through some rough patches over the past five years, taking over the helm as we began to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic back in the fall of 2020,” said Caleb Gardner, chairman of the Fort Dale Academy Board of Directors. “All of us on the board of directors are grateful to Mr. Sikes for the time, effort and energy he has poured into this school during his tenure here.”

Sikes joined Fort Dale Academy having previously served as the founding principal of Pike Road High School. He replaced Kurt Page, who led the school for the 2019-20 academic year following the retirement of longtime headmaster David Brantley.

In a written statement, Gardner confirmed that Sikes notified the board of his decision during the March 17 meeting.

“His last day as head of school at Fort Dale Academy will be June 10, 2025,” Gardner said. “In the coming days, the board of directors will begin the search for the next Fort Dale Academy head of school. I am confident that with your prayers and encouragement along with the dedication and hard work of our board members, this search will end in success.”

Sikes expressed appreciation for his time at Fort Dale. 

“I’m grateful to the families and the board for the opportunity I’ve had at Fort Dale,” Sikes said. “Because of all of their hard work and dedication, we’ve been able to do some great things and I look forward to seeing much more in the future.”

Sikes brought decades of experience to the role, including earlier stints in the Camellia City. From 1995 to 1997, he served as head softball coach and assistant football coach at Greenville High School. He also taught physical education at Greenville Middle School and was a counselor at W.O. Parmer Elementary School during the 1996-97 school year.

As Fort Dale Academy prepares for a leadership transition, Gardner emphasized the need for unity within the school community.

“During this transition period it is vital that we all work together to ensure that the future of Fort Dale Academy remains bright,” Gardner said.