Head of School

Mr. Joey "Joseph" Campanella joined High Point Academy in 2022 after 20 years at The Wesley School, a kindergarten-8th grade independent school in North Hollywood, where he served as the Associate Head of School and Middle School Division Head.  At The Wesley School, Mr. Campanella was responsible for managing the school’s day-to-day operations and was in charge of all middle school programs, including supervising 40 faculty members, supporting and coordinating faculty professional development, overseeing curriculum, monitoring the budget, scheduling, addressing all parent and faculty concerns, and leading high school placement.  While at Wesley, he also spearheaded a number of educational initiatives, including creating a middle school honor code, expanding the middle school advisory program, growing the middle school enrichment and elective program, and introducing and leading the annual 8th grade trip to London. During his tenure, Mr. Campanella assisted with fundraising and served on a wide range of Board committees – including Curriculum, Technology, Admissions, Long-Range Planning, School Expansion, Professional Development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Over his 32-year career, Mr. Campanella has served as a substitute teacher, a teacher, and a middle school dean.  He has taught a variety of subjects, including English, Spanish, American Literature, Public Speaking, and Film Studies, to a variety of age levels ranging from 3rd through 8th grades.  In addition to his administrative role at The Wesley School, Mr. Campanella still teaches a Film Studies class.  Mr. Campanella received his BA in English from Columbia University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.  Mr. Campanella also participated in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Fellowship for Aspiring Heads in 2020 – 2021.  He is married with three children and is a lifelong athlete and former NCAA Division I basketball player.  He Ioves watching and reviewing films, enjoys an eclectic mix of musical styles, is an avid reader, writes fiction and screenplays (when he can find the time), and is an aspiring, ever-improving cook.