Valley Forge Military Academy Gets New Head Of School

WAYNE, PA — The Valley Forge Military Academy has a new head of school.

The academy's Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Katie Newsom, MSODL, as the Head of School.

Newsom’s career spans more than 35 years in youth development education with well-known Philadelphia regional and national organizations.

She is recognized as a highly effective leader in building strong and educationally relevant organizations, according to the academy.

Since October 2024, Newsom has been consulting with the academy on a vision for the future and a strategic plan and initiatives to accomplish the vision.

Across a 25-year career with Outward Bound, Newsom’s leadership roles included shaping and expanding the educational footprint of the renowned outdoor experiential education organization across the United States and worldwide.

Her accomplishments include founding and serving as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School, leading a successful partnership with The National Audubon Society and an $18.5M capital campaign to establish The Discovery Center in Philadelphia, representing Outward Bound USA on Outward Bound International’s Operations Committee, and rebuilding a comprehensive national fundraising program as Chief Advancement Officer.

"Consulting with the Academy Board, staff, parents, alumni, and students over the past few months gives me confidence in the Academy’s strong foundation, impressive history, and future potential," Newsom said. "I am honored and inspired to step into the role of Head of School. I believe that the Academy can evolve to become a model boarding school where young men discover their untapped potential, strengthen their character and leadership skills, and become leaders of positive change in their communities and across the nation."

Newsom holds a BA from the University of Vermont and an MS from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She also holds certificates in organizational leadership from The Wharton School and Harvard Business School.

The daughter of a WWII US Navy officer who became a highly respected career foreign service officer, Newsom’s passion for experiential education was shaped by her upbringing around the world.

Growing up in multiple countries, she gained firsthand experience with diverse languages and cultures before graduating from high school in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Newsom began her role on Monday.