Philip Vinogradov Named Assistant Head of School for Academics

In September 2024, Merion Mercy Academy launched an intensive search for a new Assistant Head of School for Academics. A committee of eight faculty, staff and administrators met several times to review the resumes of more than 40 applicants. After careful consideration, and in person interviews with two strong candidates, Head of School Marianne Grace announced that Philip Vinogradov, who has served in the interim position since June 2024, has been named to the role. 

Vinogradov joined Merion Mercy Academy in 2020 and originally served as the school’s Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, a position in which he oversaw best practices in personalized learning, design thinking, impactful technology integration, culturally responsive curriculum, DEI integration, and experiential learning. He also collaborated with senior leadership on institutional advancement including oversight of professional development, facilitating school wide strategic plan development and implementation, signature programming, university partnerships, capital campaigns, and management of capital projects.

“Philip has established himself as an integral member of the Merion Mercy community and I have been consistently impressed with all that he has contributed and accomplished during his tenure,” says Grace. “I look forward to working with him in this capacity.”

Prior to joining Merion Mercy Academy, Vinogradov spent five years as Director of Technology and Innovation for the Upper Dublin School District. From 2005-2015 he served in a variety of roles for the Centennial School District, including as a science lead teacher, Director of the 21st Century Learning Lab and a K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist.

Vinogradov holds a K-12 principal certification, a science and biology teaching certification, a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from Clark University.

Responding to the announcement, Vinogradov says, “ I am committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and compassion, where faculty and students are empowered to reach their highest potential, rooted in our mission of empowering young women through their spiritual, academic, and personal development.”