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News & Photos
Nancy Fleury to Retire After 43 Years; Kara Zimmerman Appointed as New Lower School Head
Nancy Fleury, the Head of McDonogh’s Lower School, will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, following a 43-year career at the School, including five years as the division head. The announcement was made by Head of School Dave Farace ’87 in a letter to Lower School families on Wednesday, January 14. The letter also announced the appointment of Associate Head of Lower School Kara Zimmerman as the new leader of the division.
Farace recounted Fleury's teaching journey, noting that it has been entirely at McDonogh. He said she arrived in 1982 as a new college graduate to be a Lower School substitute teacher, and noted that the Lower School Head at the time observed, “She appears to be the strongest rookie candidate I've ever seen."
Shortly after, Fleury signed a contract to be a full-time teacher the next school year. Between 1983 and 2015, as a classroom teacher, she built strong relationships and a pedagogical foundation that defined her success. During an 11- year tenure as a Lower School science teacher, her approach to instruction became a model for educators throughout the McDonogh Community.
In 2015, Fleury joined her division’s administrative leadership team as Associate Head and expertly managed the many aspects of Lower School life, including overseeing the addition of our prekindergarten program and guiding faculty and students through the unique challenges of the pandemic. She was named Head of Lower School in 2021, a position she has held with distinction for the past five years. While managing the countless responsibilities that come with this role, she thoughtfully implemented a new reading and writing curriculum, oversaw the opening of a vibrant new Lower School playground, and continuously elevated the educational experience for every child in her care.
“Throughout her years at McDonogh, Nancy has consistently been described by colleagues and parents alike as someone whose genuine warmth and infectious optimism create spaces where children thrive,” said Farace. “She is an educator who possesses a rare combination of compassion and steadfast commitment to unlocking the joy and confidence in every learner.”
Farace also shared that Associate Head of Lower School Kara Zimmerman has been named Head of Lower School, starting next school year. Zimmerman has been a member of the McDonogh family since 2009, serving in the Lower School, Admissions, and as the director of our PK-12 Arts program.
A graduate of Muhlenberg College, she also holds a Master of Science in Education in NeuroEducation from Johns Hopkins University. She brings with her an impressive 20 years of combined teaching and administrative experience, with a significant focus on elementary education.
“I am excited for Kara to step into this role, and I know our Lower School community will thrive under her thoughtful leadership,” Farace added.
Nancy Fleury, the Head of McDonogh’s Lower School, will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, following a 43-year career at the School, including five years as the division head. The announcement was made by Head of School Dave Farace ’87 in a letter to Lower School families on Wednesday, January 14. The letter also announced the appointment of Associate Head of Lower School Kara Zimmerman as the new leader of the division.
Farace recounted Fleury's teaching journey, noting that it has been entirely at McDonogh. He said she arrived in 1982 as a new college graduate to be a Lower School substitute teacher, and noted that the Lower School Head at the time observed, “She appears to be the strongest rookie candidate I've ever seen."
Shortly after, Fleury signed a contract to be a full-time teacher the next school year. Between 1983 and 2015, as a classroom teacher, she built strong relationships and a pedagogical foundation that defined her success. During an 11- year tenure as a Lower School science teacher, her approach to instruction became a model for educators throughout the McDonogh Community.
In 2015, Fleury joined her division’s administrative leadership team as Associate Head and expertly managed the many aspects of Lower School life, including overseeing the addition of our prekindergarten program and guiding faculty and students through the unique challenges of the pandemic. She was named Head of Lower School in 2021, a position she has held with distinction for the past five years. While managing the countless responsibilities that come with this role, she thoughtfully implemented a new reading and writing curriculum, oversaw the opening of a vibrant new Lower School playground, and continuously elevated the educational experience for every child in her care.
“Throughout her years at McDonogh, Nancy has consistently been described by colleagues and parents alike as someone whose genuine warmth and infectious optimism create spaces where children thrive,” said Farace. “She is an educator who possesses a rare combination of compassion and steadfast commitment to unlocking the joy and confidence in every learner.”
Farace also shared that Associate Head of Lower School Kara Zimmerman has been named Head of Lower School, starting next school year. Zimmerman has been a member of the McDonogh family since 2009, serving in the Lower School, Admissions, and as the director of our PK-12 Arts program.
A graduate of Muhlenberg College, she also holds a Master of Science in Education in NeuroEducation from Johns Hopkins University. She brings with her an impressive 20 years of combined teaching and administrative experience, with a significant focus on elementary education.
“I am excited for Kara to step into this role, and I know our Lower School community will thrive under her thoughtful leadership,” Farace added.