Theresa Long, MMI Preparatory School’s head of school, announced that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic school year.

“While this chapter is ending for me, my love for this school will never fade,” Long said. “I will leave with immense pride in all we have accomplished together and with great confidence in the leadership and community that will carry the school forward. I am committed to seeing a smooth transition of leadership over the next year.”

Long has served MMI, first as a member of the board of directors from 2017 to 2022, and as head of school since then. Her leadership has been marked by a deep belief in the power of education and by a genuine love for the people who make MMI what it is: the school’s students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and donors.

Attorney Richard A. DiLiberto Jr., Class of ’79, the chair of MMI’s board of directors, notes, “Theresa’s ability to connect with others has shaped a school culture grounded in respect, warmth and shared purpose. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student feels valued, every educator feels supported and every family feels welcomed into the life of MMI.

“The sense of community and family so many of us feel at MMI today is a direct result of her leadership. Thanks to Theresa, MMI is not only stronger today, but better prepared for the future.”

The responsibility of selecting MMI’s next head of school rests with the board of directors.

The board’s chair and governance committee will form a search committee to guide this process.

They will conduct a thorough and inclusive search, considering both national and local candidates, with input from key voices within the MMI community.

To ensure a smooth transition, the board aims to have a successor in place at the school in Freeland before Long’s departure on June 30, 2027.

“While this may seem like a long way off, we appreciate Theresa giving us ample time to start the transition and to express our copious thanks for all she has done for all of us,” DiLiberto said.