Lee Tappy

As a 1994 graduate of PDS, Lee Tappy returned to campus in 2005 and recently completed his 14th year here as a teacher and administrator. With over 20 years in education, he spent 16 of those in the classroom as a 7th and 9th grade English teacher. He also taught an upper school creative writing class to juniors and seniors for several years. He moved into administration four years ago and served a year as the Assistant Head of Middle School and four years as the Middle School Dean of Students. In addition, over the past two and a half years, he served as the SAIS (Southern Association of Independent Schools) Accreditation Co-chair.

Prior to becoming the Dean of Students, he served in several other roles, including as Freshman Class Dean for three years, faculty representative for the Upper School Honor Council for two years, and the advisor to the Middle School Student Council for three years. In his administrative leadership roles at PD, he helped create the "Be the Change" Freshman Class initiative on Poverty in Charlotte and implemented Middle School Legacy Houses, which are named in honor of legends from former PD faculty and staff.

He is currently working towards his Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration at Saint Joseph's University and earned his undergraduate degree with a major in English and a minor in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Married to his wife Robin for 15 years, he is the proud parent of two PD fifth graders. He is passionate about the community, committed to the mission, and driven by the responsibility to the students and their families to provide an exceptional education in a safe and caring environment, while also challenging them to push themselves and explore new opportunities and experiences.