Valwood Announces Chelsy Beninate as New Head of School
HAHIRA, GA – October 5, 2026 – Valwood School’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Chelsy Beninate as the school’s next Head of School, effective July 1, 2027. Beninate will succeed current Head of School John Davis, who announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2026–2027 school year.
Mrs. Beninate has spent the past eight years at Fort Worth Country Day in Texas, where she currently serves as Assistant Head of School. During her tenure, she has also served as Director of Fine Arts, Director of the Center for International Studies, and Director of Special Projects. Her leadership experience spans nearly every aspect of independent school life, including academic and curricular innovation, strategic planning, campus operations, financial stewardship, school safety, and major capital projects. She has played an instrumental role in advancing institutional priorities, strengthening programs, and creating environments in which students and faculty can thrive.
Before joining Fort Worth Country Day, Mrs. Beninate served as an academic dean, assistant principal, and band director. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where she served as a musician, she brings a distinctive combination of discipline, creativity, and a deep commitment to service. She was selected for and completed the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) 2023–24 Aspiring Heads Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to continued professional growth and school leadership.
“Mrs. Beninate embodies Valwood's mission of academic excellence, strong character, and service to others, and she understands and embraces our culture and community. She is a collaborative leader who believes strong schools are built on relationships, and that was clear in how she connected with students, faculty, and parents on campus,” said John Williams, Chair of the Valwood Board of Trustees.
Mrs. Beninate’s appointment follows a comprehensive global search led by the Board-appointed Head of School Search Committee with support from The Education Group. Three finalists participated in two-day campus visits, meeting with trustees, faculty, staff, parents, and students, whose feedback helped inform the selection.
“I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this opportunity and look forward to becoming part of a community that has already made my husband, Anthony, and I feel so welcome.
From the moment we arrived on campus, we were struck by the genuine warmth and hospitality extended to us. A palpable sense of joy filled our visit, from the energy of the students to the pride of the faculty and staff and the deep commitment of the parents and trustees. What stood out most was not simply what people shared about Valwood, but the way they spoke about their school. Their love for this community was evident in every conversation, and it was clear that Valwood is a place where relationships matter and people genuinely care for one another,” said Beninate.
Beninate holds a Master of Education from Abilene Christian University and Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Texas Wesleyan University.
The Board of Trustees extends its gratitude to Mr. Davis for his leadership and service to Valwood. He will continue to lead the school through the end of the 2026–2027 school year.
“I am delighted to welcome Mrs. Beninate to the Valwood family,” said Davis. “This community means a great deal to me, and I look forward to supporting her as she prepares to lead Valwood into its next chapter. I am confident our students, faculty, and families have a bright future ahead.”
Valwood will share additional information about the leadership transition in the months ahead.
