Mr. Josh Leroy – Head of Upper School

Nichols is excited to welcome Mr. Josh LeRoy as the next Head of Upper School, bringing a wide range of educational experience to this role. LeRoy is joining Nichols from the Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, New Hampshire, where he began his tenure as Senior Assistant Director of Admission and then Director of Student Life before assuming his current role as Associate Head of School and Dean of Students. Prior to that, LeRoy served in multiple roles at Northwood School in Lake Placid, New York – Mathematics Faculty, Dorm Parent, Advisor, Coach, and Director of Athletics. He received his bachelor’s in mathematics and his master’s in education from St. Lawrence University. To help get to know him better, we asked him a few questions.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in upstate New York, where my mom was a public school teacher for 35 years, and my dad was a truck driver and coached every youth sports team I ever played on. So, I knew from a young age that working with kids - both inside and outside the classroom - was my calling. I went off to college to play hockey and become a doctor (I found out during my sophomore year that trying to do both at the same time was not possible) – and in a short time realized that I wanted to pursue teaching and coaching.

I’m an avid reader, golfer, a huge sports fan, and I love dogs. I have two golden retrievers, Max and Sully, and enjoy spending time with my wife, Kristin, and two sons, Conor (15) and Cayden (12).

Why Nichols?

Growing up in Queensbury, New York, and working at a boarding school in Lake Placid, I always heard that Nichols had a tremendous academic and athletic reputation. As a student at St. Lawrence University, I had a hockey teammate who went to Nichols and always had great things to say about his experience at the school. I’m excited about returning to working with Upper School students and families, and I’m equally excited about having my family join me in the Nichols community!

What have you heard about the Buffalo community, and what are you most excited to experience?

When my family and I decided we were moving to Buffalo, it was incredible how many of our friends and colleagues reached out, saying they knew someone in the Buffalo area, and commented on how much we would love Western New York. We have found out so quickly just how welcoming everyone has been. Even during my interview, when I met with current parents, students, and faculty, I was blown away by the passion for the school and excitement about its future. Everyone I spoke with gave me the feeling that Nichols was an exceptional community and Buffalo was a great place to live!

Of course, everyone tells me how great the chicken wings are and to watch out for the Bills’ fan base … as a New England Patriots and Chicago Bears fan, I think I’ll tiptoe around Buffalo, at least initially.

What are you looking forward to?

I’m really looking forward to getting to know all of the students, faculty, staff, and families in the Nichols community. I’m excited to develop connections with everyone at Nichols and bring my experience to various aspects of independent school life to help Nichols School move forward strategically over the next many years … and of course, I’m excited to have the opportunity to attend various professional sports games in the Buffalo area. n