Dr. Orlando has a distinguished background in Catholic education, expertise in curriculum development, enrollment management, innovation, and a visionary mindset. He commands a firm understanding of the day-to-day operational needs of a dynamic, multiple division school like NDA and the need for commitment to both mission and academic excellence.
“We feel enormously blessed to have Dr. Orlando join the NDA community as he brings precisely the expertise we require at this pivotal time,” said Nicole Rocha Clark ’98, Chair of the NDA Board of Directors. “In addition to his background as a teacher, assistant principal for mission and identity, chief academic officer, and principal, he has twenty years of Catholic school experience, innovation, and success to further strengthen our school community.”
Dr. Orlando currently serves as Principal / Chief Academic Officer for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. Prior to that, he spent seventeen years at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, serving in increasingly senior leadership roles during his tenure there.
Dr. Orlando earned his Doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, Leadership and Learning at Northeastern University. He holds a Master of Arts in Hispanic Studies from Simmons University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Saint Anselm College.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named as the next President of the Academy of Notre Dame,” said Dr. Orlando. “From the moment I met with the Search Committee and throughout my time meeting with board members, administration, faculty and staff, the SND Leadership Team, and seeing the students in their classes and the hallways, I could sense and see the mission of St. Julie and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in action—caring for and educating the whole person while recognizing the goodness of God and the dignity of each person.
“From conversations around the historic past of the school, the wonderful educators who devote their lives to this vocation, and the families who entrust the school with the care of their children, it became evident that there is a great passion for continued growth, innovation, and support for this fine institution. The Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community are not only physically present on the campus, but they are lived by everyone connected to this community. Together, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that await us, and I am confident that we will continue to animate the vision and mission of St. Julie and all of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.”
The Academy of Notre Dame community looks forward to welcoming Dr. Orlando and to the continued growth and advancement of the school under his leadership.