Ms. Stacey Irvin – Head of School, Saint James’ Episcopal School, Warrenton, VA
Ms. Stacey Irvin has served as Head of School at Saint James’ Episcopal School (SJES) since 2009. Under her leadership, what started as a small preschool in 1982 now offers kindergarten through fifth grade, a toddler program, extended day programs, encore classes, as well as enhanced summer camp opportunities. Currently, the school serves 85 preschoolers and 100 elementary students, employs 42 faculty and staff members, and enjoys the company of the Irvin family’s therapy dogs Skipper and Phoebee.
Stacey led SJES through its initial accreditation with the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) in 2013 and has enjoyed working on many VAIS visiting teams over the years as a team member and a team leader. Prior to joining the Board of VAIS, Stacey was a member of the VAIS Member Services Committee and created a mentor program for new Heads to the Association. Stacey also has presented workshops at conferences for the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) of which SJES is a member.
Stacey helped to create the Fauquier Preschool Coalition, a group of preschool directors, county administrators, and community partners working together to improve preschool access and quality. In addition, Stacey is a founding member of Learning Starts Early (LSE), a non-profit organization developed by Saint James’ Episcopal Church and School to ensure that children of at-risk families in Fauquier County are successful in kindergarten and beyond. The School and LSE were recognized in 2019 by Virginia’s First Lady Pam Northam for its support of the Books on the Bus program among other endeavors.
In partnership with Saint James’ Episcopal Church, Stacey helped to raise over $2.7 million in a joint capital campaign for the addition of elementary classrooms, renovation of current school and church space, as well as handicap-accessible restrooms, an elevator, and unfinished basement for future classroom space. Students moved into the new education wing in January 2019.
Stacey obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Tech and prior to joining SJES, worked for a non-profit organization in government and public affairs before heading into the classroom to teach middle and high school English in public school.
Stacey is married to Joe Irvin, a financial advisor, and has two daughters, Ella (19,) a sophomore at Wake Forest University, and Erin (17), a high school junior who graduated from the second graduating class at SJES. When she is not at SJES, or supporting her daughters in their school and sports endeavors, you can find Stacey coaching along the sidelines in high school field hockey, cheering on her Virginia Tech Hokies (and now Wake Forest Demon Deacons!), enjoying time with family and friends.