Welcome Mr. Johnson!

St. Johns Classical Academy, a public charter school in Clay County, has appointed Mr. Daniel “Matt” Johnson to the Headmaster position. Mr. Johnson is a dynamic and versatile educator who possesses extensive experience in both leadership and education.
Mr. Johnson is a recently retired U.S. Army Colonel with 32 years of military experience. During his military career, he served as the Post Commander at Camp Blanding, Chief Information Officer for the Florida National Guard, Battalion Commander supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and held various supervisory and administrative positions within the United States Army. He earned a Bronze Star Medal, and his unit was recognized with the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding achievement of mission during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Johnson has extensive experience in team building, emergency management and planning, oversight of extensive budgets for the Florida National Guard, providing leadership to over 500 military personnel, and training warriors for the U.S. military.
In addition to his vast military career, Mr. Johnson has ten years combined teaching and administrative experience within Florida public schools. Mr. Johnson has taught history and social studies in Clay and Leon Counties. He was also the Dean of Students at Deerlake Middle School. As an educator, he served as team leader, chairperson, and trained interns from Florida State University. He is currently teaching history at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs.
Mr. Johnson holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Social Science Education, earned Master of Science degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies and Educational Administration and Leadership, and graduated from the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College. His Florida Educator Certifications are in Social Science and Educational Leadership.
St. Johns Classical Academy is affiliated with Hillsdale College as part of the Barney Charter School Initiative. The Academy’s mission is to develop graduates in mind and character through a classical, content-rich curriculum that emphasizes the principles of virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility. St. Johns Classical Academy is building intelligent, virtuous American citizens. As Headmaster, Mr. Johnson will effectively lead teachers, scholars, and families in fulfilling SJCA’s mission.
Regarding his new position as Headmaster of SJCA, Mr. Johnson stated, “I am excited about this opportunity to become the Headmaster of St. Johns Classical Academy. The Barney Charter School Initiative from Hillsdale College is assisting 21 public charter schools across the nation. Hillsdale College's liberal arts and sciences curriculum is not only rich in content but instructs students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue. Parents have recognized the top-notch educational opportunity SJCA's curriculum provides as represented by the strong enrollment demand. I am looking forward to continuing the mission of SJCA to provide classical curriculum to students and future generations."
Mr. Johnson will consult with St. Johns Classical Academy through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Upon completion of his contractual agreement with Clay District Schools, the Academy will welcome him as full-time Headmaster on June 8, 2020.