High Meadows School on Willeo Road in Roswell has chosen Jay Underwood as its new head of school starting July 1.

Underwood’s selection was unanimously endorsed by the school’s board of directors, which conducted a year-long international search for the right candidate.

“From very early in the process, we were excited about the mix of Jay’s experience, credentials and educational philosophy,” said David Craig, chairman of the board. “The more time the committee and the broader High Meadows community spent with him, the more we knew he was the right leader to carry out our mission. We are thrilled to have him join us.”

And Underwood, who is moving to Roswell from Sante Fe, N. M. where he works as a head of school, said he is excited to get more acquainted with his new community.

“The first thing a head of school should do is listen and get to know the community, not go in there with a big agenda of change,” he said. “I want to learn how I can best contribute.”

Underwood and his family are from the South originally and started thinking of moving to the Atlanta area two years ago. He happened upon High Meadows during an Internet search.

“I thought it was a great match, but I knew the chances of getting to work there were slim,” he said. “But soon after that, the job opening popped up.”

Underwood said he has been impressed with every aspect of the school since then.

“They have dynamic, committed educators, who truly want to do right by the school,” he said. “And I believe the role of administration is to take care of the faculty and make sure they can continue to do what they do best.”

During his 19-year career in education, Underwood has been a college admissions counselor, teacher of English as a foreign language in Ecuador, a middle school English and social studies teacher, a public school assistant principal and a head of school. He is also the parent of two daughters, who will attend High Meadows.

“I think with my experiences, I see school from all lenses,” he said. “I have a big picture.”

Underwood said he has always been committed to environmental sustainability, progressive education and child-centered teaching, and he said High Meadows is a great example of all three.