Leighann DeLorenzo Named Director of the Upper School Beginning in the 2023-2024 School Year

Ms. DeLorenzo came to Laurel in 2006 as a Middle and Upper School drama teacher, having earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her MFA from University of South Carolina. As a working professional actor, she reinvigorated the theatre program at Laurel, challenging girls to meet her high expectations. 

Building on her excellent relationships with students and parents, Ms. DeLorenzo served as a Dean in the Upper School for several years before becoming the Associate Director of the Upper School in 2021, supporting students, faculty and parents through the pandemic with characteristic empathy, care, grace and humor. In that role, she revised our academic integrity policy to better reflect our commitment to fairness and devised the current student performance process that better supports students. Ms. DeLorenzo was also essential in creating the Crile Library Hub to benefit all students in Grades 6-12.

Over her 16-year tenure at Laurel, Ms. DeLorenzo has earned the respect and trust of her colleagues. In her role as Interim Director of the Upper School this year, she has balanced high expectations for students with a reminder of the privileges and obligations of membership in a community. Students feel a renewed sense of pride in their school under her leadership. Ms. DeLorenzo understands that girls learn best when they are seen, respected and known well; her leadership of the division is empathetic, compassionate and clear. We look forward to welcoming her aboard in this permanent role at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.