About Patricia Lynn Gray

I am honored and blessed to have been selected as Head of School at Jackson Walnut Park School (JWPS) in Newton. For me, the calling to serve at this wonderful school is one of the brightest highlights of my professional life. To say Jackson Walnut Park is a special place, with its rich history of nurturing students and families, is a great understatement. It is a place of learning, of love, and of inspiration. For me, this is both a calling and a joy. My mission is to honor the school’s traditions while preparing our students for the ever-evolving opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. 

I come to JWPS from Notre Dame de Sion Grade School in Kansas City, where I had the privilege of serving as principal to students in PreK–8th grade for six years. During my tenure, enrollment grew by 37 percent, faculty diversity quadrupled, and the school was recognized as the city’s “Best Private School” by the Kansas City Star for both elementary and high school. Before my work in education, I spent more than 28 years in corporate leadership positions at AT&T and  Nike, which taught me the value of organization excellence and strategic vision; skills I now bring to this wonderful school community. 

At JWPS, I’m excited to make my mark and help this school community to realize its full potential. So far, we have introduced monthly Mass to strengthen our faith community, modernized classrooms to support state-of-the-art engaged learning, expanded extracurricular opportunities with new athletic programs, and introduced the school’s first athletic director. Looking ahead, enhanced outdoor space, including tennis and basketball courts, will complement our new $6 million Student Center. 

Beyond the campus facilities, my focus is on ensuring a seamless journey for every child and family. JWPS is unique in bridging Montessori early childhood education with a K-6 elementary program that is centered on growth and rooted in Catholic tradition. My goal is to make that transition as smooth as possible so that each student thrives academically, spiritually, and socially. 

Equity, community, and personal connection are at the heart of my leadership style. I make it a point to be visible on campus. I truly believe leadership begins with relationships, and children flourish when they feel seen, heard, and inspired to grow in their God-given gifts. 

I look forward to partnering with faculty, parents, and the wider Boston education community to strengthen JWPS’s mission. Together, we will continue to build a learning community rooted in faith, inclusivity, and excellence; one where every child feels a sense of belonging and inspired possibility. 

Jackson Walnut Park has a proud history, and I am thrilled to help share its bright future.

Additional Educational Information

DEGREES
Hendrix College, Conway, AR (1980) Bachelor of Arts – Economics and Business

Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, PA (2012) Master of Science – Education

EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Memphis Teaching Fellows, (2009) Memphis, TN, Teacher Endorsement

University of Mississippi, (2013) University, MS, Modern Language & TESL Endorsement

New Leaders’ Principal Program, (2017) Memphis, TN, Principal Endorsement

Avila University, Kansas City, MO (2021-2023) Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Certification

GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT
Creighton University, Omaha, NE (Summer 2020-2021) Education Leadership Courses – School Improvement, Special Education

Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, MO (2022) Education Leadership Courses – School Law, Curriculum & Instruction

Additional Background Information

PROFICIENCIES
Collaborative Team Builder | Data-Driven Planner | Diversity and Inclusion Leader | Foundation Grant Manager | Grant Writer | Math Improvement Strategist | Public Speaker | Relationship Builder | School Improvement Specialist

PUBLICATION
“Listening to Higher Education’s Different Voices.” Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).

Our Mission

Empowered by the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston: We inspire children, educators, and families to love God, love learning, and love one another without distinction.

Jackson Walnut Park School

Toddler – 6th Grade
200 Jackson Rd, Newton, MA 02458
(617) 202-9772
https://www.jwpschools.org/

To learn more about Jackson Walnut Park School please click on this link: https://bostonparentspaper.com/schools/massachusetts/newton/jackson-walnut-park-school/

About Leaders in Education

Leaders in Education is a special profile series from Boston Parent, highlighting the vision, values, and leadership of heads of schools and key administrators across Greater Boston and the New England area. Through these features, we aim to give the community a deeper understanding of the people shaping children’s educational experiences.