Sonya Somerville

Dr. Sonya Somerville has dedicated more than 30 years to helping schools become places where every child is known, challenged, and inspired to learn. Since July 2023, she has served as Head of School at The School at Columbia University, where she leads a vibrant community of students, educators, staff, families, and collaborates with university partners committed to academic excellence, innovation, and joyful learning.

Throughout her career as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and now Head of School, Dr. Somerville has remained grounded in a simple belief: the most meaningful learning happens when students connect what they study to their own lives, think deeply across disciplines, and develop the confidence to make meaningful contributions to the world. She believes that schools flourish when they cultivate both intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.

Before joining The School at Columbia, Dr. Somerville served students and families in New York City and Philadelphia public schools. She earned her bachelor's degree from Spelman College, her master's degree from Temple University, and her doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. Along the way, she forged partnerships with leading institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Teachers College, and now Columbia University, to strengthen teaching, leadership, and student learning.

At The School at Columbia University, Dr. Somerville has led a period of thoughtful growth and innovation. She established a partnership with Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism that expands opportunities for authentic, inquiry-based learning and launched an after-school mathematics team while revitalizing the school's robotics and fencing programs. She also strengthened the school's organizational structure by creating two Dean positions, led the development of The School at Columbia University's first Title IX policy, expanded family engagement initiatives, and guided faculty in developing comprehensive scope and sequence documents across all content areas to ensure a coherent and intentional academic program.

Prior to joining Columbia, Dr. Somerville served as Assistant Superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia, where the schools under her leadership achieved remarkable success. Three were recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools for High Achievement and Closing the Achievement Gap, and her schools demonstrated the district's highest sustained student growth in English language arts, mathematics, and science for six of seven consecutive years. These accomplishments reflected her collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence and opportunity for every student.

A passionate advocate for inclusive learning environments and culturally responsive leadership, Dr. Somerville co-developed leadership simulations with the University of Pennsylvania focused on culturally responsive decision-making and has led professional learning that challenged educators to examine and dismantle inequitable practices. Today, she continues to foster a school culture where every student is known, every family is valued, and every member of the community is empowered to thrive.

Known for her warmth, integrity, and collaborative leadership, Dr. Somerville believes education has the power to transform lives. She is committed to building schools that inspire curiosity, nurture character, and prepare young people to lead with purpose, compassion, and courage.