Michael Edwards, Ed.D.

Michael is the Head of School at Cliff Valley School, a preschool through 8th-grade independent school in Atlanta.  Since joining Cliff Valley in 2004, Michael has led the school through strategic planning, program expansion, capital campaigns, facilities expansion and construction, campus expansion, and multiple accreditations.  He was attracted to independent schools early in his career because he likes the idea of a small private business having a mission, striving to execute that mission at a high level, and attracting and retaining customers and staff through high-quality programming and operations and outstanding customer service.

In addition to his work at Cliff Valley, Michael has over 10 years of experience as an accreditation chair with the Southern Association of Independent Schools.  Prior to joining Cliff Valley, Michael was a teacher for elementary, middle and high school at independent schools overseas and in the US.  He earned his doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Vanderbilt University, and he has master’s degrees in educational administration and curriculum and instruction.  

Michael is a proud AGS alumni parent.  His daughter graduated in 2019 after an excellent high school experience that gave her confidence in her ability to lead and prepared her to lead a life purpose.