Since joining La Jolla Country Day this year, Mr. Joseph has already made a strong impression on students and faculty alike. With nearly three decades of experience in independent schools, he brings a deep passion for education, a commitment to student involvement, and a focus on fostering a strong sense of community. In an interview, he shared his experiences, reflections, and vision for the school.
When asked why he chose Country Day out of so many independent schools, Mr. Joseph said the decision felt natural. As his own children were preparing to leave for college, he and his family were looking for their next adventure. Southern California had always been on their radar, and as he explored different schools, Country Day stood out. The mission, the focus on dignity, and the strong academics immediately caught his attention, but it was the welcoming atmosphere that solidified his choice. “The sense of belonging here was just palpable,” he explained. “It felt like a place where students could really find their passion and their people.”
Having spent nearly 30 years working in independent schools, Mr. Joseph is deeply familiar with the unique advantages they offer. For him, the most important has always been the flexibility to make meaningful choices about curriculum and student experiences. Unlike public schools, where rigid structures can sometimes limit innovation, independent schools allow educators to tailor programs to fit their students’ needs.
Since arriving at Country Day, one of the things that has stood out the most to him is the school’s incredible level of spirit. While he acknowledges that students are often busy with academics, sports, and extracurriculars, there is still a tangible sense of pride in being part of the LJCDS community. Whether it’s through school-wide events, assemblies, or simply seeing students wearing their school swag, that energy is evident. He comments, “I’ve been at schools that focus heavily on academics, but here, I see a true balance. Academics, arts, and athletics are all valued equally. That’s something really special.”
Another unique aspect of Country Day is its strong emphasis on student leadership, particularly through the Ethics Council, as Mr. Joseph has sat in on many meetings throughout the year. Rather than relying solely on administrators to handle school matters, students play an active role in shaping school culture. Mr. Joseph sees this as an important opportunity for students to develop leadership and accountability.
“Mistakes happen. That’s part of learning,” he said. “The way we respond is what really matters. The Ethics Council seems to focus on addressing actions rather than labeling people, which is the right approach.”
While student-led disciplinary conversations can sometimes be controversial, he believes they are essential in creating a positive school environment. Cultural change, he emphasized, has to come from the students themselves. Adults can support and guide the process, but real progress happens when students take ownership of their community.
At the start of the year, Mr. Joseph put an emphasis on building school spirit, something he plans to continue fostering. As students get older and busier, he recognizes that enthusiasm can sometimes fade. “There’s sometimes this phase where showing enthusiasm doesn’t feel ‘cool’ anymore,” he said. “But if students see both their peers and adults getting involved, that can shift the mindset.” But he hopes to encourage students to embrace school pride, both by leading by example and by making events more engaging.
Alongside Dr. Kumar, Mr. Joseph has been brainstorming ways to bring more energy to assemblies and school events, adding fun elements that encourage participation. While it will be a work in progress, he believes that if students take the lead, school spirit will continue to thrive.
When asked about areas for improvement, Mr. Joseph acknowledged the challenges of the current school schedule. Many students have mentioned that eating lunch at 11 a.m. feels too early, and some find the long block periods difficult to manage. While block schedules are designed to reduce transitions and allow for deeper learning, he understands that some students prefer shorter, more frequent classes.“The schedule is always a tricky balance,” he admitted. “There are pros and cons to both models, and it’s something that we’re always evaluating.”
Beyond scheduling, he recognizes that one of the challenges at Country Day—and in independent schools in general—is the overwhelming number of opportunities available to students. While this is also one of the school’s greatest strengths, it can also be difficult to manage. “We provide so many programs, which is amazing,” he said. “But then students feel like they have to do everything. And a lot of that pressure is coming from colleges, which makes it even harder to navigate.” Students feel the pressure to take on multiple AP classes, join various clubs, and participate in sports, all while maintaining their grades and preparing for college.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Joseph is excited about what lies ahead. He believes that with thoughtful leadership and a continued emphasis on student voice, Country Day will only continue to improve. His first semester has already reinforced what he felt during this interview—that Country Day is a place where students are not only challenged academically but also encouraged to grow as leaders and individuals.
As he looks ahead, his focus remains on one simple but powerful goal: keep pushing, keep innovating, and keep committing to the ever-evolving Country Day community.
