John Klemme has been named academic dean at the Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches following a nationwide search.
Klemme joins the independent school’s administrative team with more than 40 years of education experience, including 15 years as the principal of Scarsdale High School in New York. Klemme has been with Oxbridge since the school opened in 2011, serving as an English teacher and English department chair.
After nearly 20 years as an administrator in the Northeast, Klemme moved to Florida and joined Oxbridge with a desire to teach again. While leading English and literature courses, Klemme has also developed the Oxbridge Academy/Cambridge University program, giving more than 30 students the chance to study abroad under the direction of Cambridge professors during spring break.
In addition to his experience at Oxbridge and Scarsdale, Klemme has also served in the Detroit and Birmingham public school systems in Michigan. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Wayne State University, as well as an education specialist degree and multiple teaching certifications.
“John is highly respected by his peers for his academic prowess and also for his wisdom, guidance and dedication to the art of teaching,” said Robert C. Parsons, president and CEO of the school. “He has already earned the trust and confidence of the Oxbridge faculty, as well as the praise of parents and students. Oxbridge has experienced a truly fabulous beginning academically, and John is definitely the right person to lead our faculty and our academic programs to the next level.”
As academic dean, Klemme will develop innovative and collaborative Oxbridge academic programs that inspire students to fall in love with learning. His leadership of Oxbridge faculty and mentorship of students will ensure students are challenged and prepared. In addition, Klemme will be responsible for the supervision and evaluation of teachers, the professional development program for faculty and oversight of the Oxbridge academic curriculum.
“I am very excited about this new role at Oxbridge,” he said. “Most people know that I moved to Florida to return to the classroom and have been very happy in that role, but I believe that I can make an important contribution to the school at this stage of its evolution. Happily, I also will have the opportunity to teach, taking on at least one class.”
The Oxbridge Academy was founded in 2011 by energy magnate and philanthropist William I. Koch. The school is located at 3151 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.oapb.org or call (561) 972-9600.
