The Lamplighter School welcomed new leadership this year while remaining focused on creating a joyful, creative, and inclusive environment for the area’s youngest learners.
Dr. Michael Johnson assumed the role of Catherine M. Rose Head of School on July 1. He replaces Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill at the helm of the independent day school serving students from Pre-K through fourth grade.
Hill served for 15 years in the role as just the fifth head of school in Lamplighter’s 73-year history. She received the 2025 to 2026 Spirit Award from the Lamplighter Alumni Association.
Under Hill’s leadership, Lamplighter successfully completed three major fundraising campaigns that brought more experiential learning opportunities to students. The school’s endowment also more than tripled, growing from $6 million to over $20 million.
Additionally, Lamplighter expanded its partnerships with organizations including the Dallas Arboretum, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, SMU, and United to Learn. In reflecting on her tenure, Dr. Hill emphasized the school’s mission and student experience.
“At its very core, Lamplighter is about creating a space where students feel seen, valued, and know someone believes in them,” she said, adding that the school’s founding vision — to nurture a love of learning in young children — is central to its continued direction.
Looking to the future, new Head of School Dr. Michael Johnson plans to focus on continuity rather than change.
“My goal is to continue this trajectory and momentum,” he said, “where the focus remains on creating an exceptional educational experience for students.”
Originally from Scotland, Johnson began his career in education as a classroom teacher before moving into school leadership in the United States. He holds a doctoral degree from Mid Sweden University, where his research focused on schools as adaptive systems capable of responding to the needs of students and communities.
Since joining Lamplighter, Johnson has focused on internal engagement, and has held one-on-one meetings with faculty, staff, and board members. His early priorities have centered on relationship building and understanding the school’s existing culture.
Johnson was drawn to the leadership role by Lamplighter’s approach to early childhood education.
“The years between three and 10 shape a child more than any other stretch of life,” he said. “Few schools understand that the way Lamplighter does.”
