Jim O’Donnell

Jim made his way to West Hartford for the start of the 2003-04 school year by way of Alexandria, VA, where he taught middle school math, coached two varsity sports, and advised at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School. He first became familiar with the benefits and outstanding qualities of a Renbrook education as the Director of Enrollment Management and a senior administrator at Kingswood Oxford School, where he interviewed and developed relationships with countless Renbrook families for admission. Reflecting on his early impressions of Renbrook students while working in admissions, Jim shares:

“Renbrook students stand out for their poise, academic preparation, sense of self, and remarkable involvement in their school and local communities!”

From 2015-23, Jim ran the academic summer program at Loomis Chaffee for students rising into grades 7-10. This mission-driven program provided enrichment to enthusiastic learners from all over the world. Jim also partnered with the faculty to embed a social-emotional learning and leadership curriculum designed to increase students’ awareness of their best self and phenomenal capacity to impact the common good. During this time span, Jim also completed a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University and served on the Board of Trustees at an independent school that serves students in Preschool through Grade 8.