Francesca Walker, Upper School Dean at Poly Prep, will be stepping away from her role this July to begin a new chapter at the Spence School in Manhattan. Starting July 30th, Walker will take on the role of Associate Director of College Counseling — a move that reflects her evolving professional goals and a long-standing interest in girls’ education.
Her departure marks the end of a significant and impactful period at Poly, and while students and staff alike will miss her deeply, Walker’s transition is filled with intention, growth, and an inspiring sense of purpose.
A Professional Shift with Personal Meaning
Walker’s decision was rooted in a moment of clarity sparked by a professional development opportunity. After observing a woman in a leadership position at a school, she began to consider her own future in a new light. It wasn’t just about career progression, but about the kind of leader she wanted to be and the environment in which she wanted to lead.
“I’ve always wanted to work at an all-girls school,” Walker shared, explaining that the Spence opportunity felt like a rare second chance. She had previously interviewed at a similar school back in 2022 and turned down the offer in favor of Poly. But when Spence opened its doors, it felt like a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Why All-Girls Education Matters to Her
Walker noticed an important pattern throughout her career — that female students often worked more independently and were less likely to seek help compared to their male peers. This often led to unintentional imbalance in support. Her role at Spence gives her a chance to focus more directly on empowering young women and correcting that imbalance.
This move isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. It’s about giving back in a way she feels she may not have been able to before.
A Fond Farewell to the Poly Community
While the decision was difficult, Walker made it clear that her departure isn’t due to dissatisfaction with Poly. On the contrary, she has great admiration for her colleagues and the school’s support system. “I am so in love with my Dean team,” she said, calling her supervisor, Emily Gardiner, “the best boss I’ve ever had.”
Gardiner responded in kind, saying, “Ms. Walker was such a wonderful addition to our team, and we wish her the best.”
Walker also noted that her future supervisor at Spence is a Poly alum, which added to her comfort in making the switch. “She totally gets what I do here,” Walker said, feeling confident that her work and values will be understood in her new setting.
Reassuring Students During Transition
Naturally, some students were concerned, especially those in the thick of their college application journey. Walker offered firm reassurance, explaining that the Dean team at Poly works in a collaborative way where no student is left behind. “Every single college list that a student is building, every single Dean is looking at it,” she said. “They’re not actually starting from scratch.”
Students like Charlie Garner ‘27 appreciated her mentorship, while others, like Sergio Abboud ‘26, expressed a mix of stress and understanding. “She is doing what’s best for her career, and as a student, I have to respect that,” he said.
A New Chapter With Familiar Lessons
As Walker looks ahead to her new role at Spence, she is taking with her the values she developed at Poly. “Having a great team and a great supervisor makes all the difference,” she said, adding that the support and value she felt at Poly were “transformational.”
While Spence may differ in some ways — including a less intense athletics culture — Walker recognizes that the heart of her work will remain the same. “They both have ambitious kids who want ambitious college outcomes,” she noted.
Francesca Walker’s transition from Poly Prep to the Spence School is more than just a career move — it’s a thoughtful step toward fulfilling her long-term goals in school leadership and girls’ education. With gratitude for her time at Poly and excitement for the future, Walker’s journey reflects growth, leadership, and purpose. The Poly community wishes her all the success as she continues to uplift and guide the next generation of students.
