History of Brandon Hall School
Originally founded as a tutorial proprietary school in 1959 by Theodore Hecht, Brandon Hall historically has focused on the individual learner with either one-to-one or small group classes. The school eventually became a nonprofit, nonsectarian, nondenominational college preparatory school. Subsequent presidents have been Harrison W. Kimbrell, Laurie S. Spigener, Gary Coker, Paul R. Stockhammer, and Dr. John L. Singleton, who was appointed in May 2010.Founded on the late Morris Brandon summer home estate, the entire school initially was housed in what is now known as Brandon Hall. Enrollment grew, additional facilities were built, and the school's programs expanded.
President and Headmaster John L. Singleton, Ed. D.
Dr. John Singleton has 25 years experience working in public education, private education and school administration. Dr. Singleton graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education where he also received a fellowship for his Master's Degree in Education. Additionally, he completed his North Carolina public school administration certification at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he also started postgraduate studies. John received his doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Phoenix.Dr. Singleton's background includes an integral role in the establishment and implementation of two award-winning alternative schools for at-risk youth in North Carolina. His strong belief in multi-sensory learning and an individualized approach to education led him into the private school arena. Dr. Singleton was hired as the Program Director of Stone Mountain School, Black Mountain, NC in 2003. In 2005 he was part of the management team that opened New Leaf Academy of North Carolina, an all girls school. Dr. Singleton was the Executive Director of Cedars Academy in Delaware, a school for Asperger Syndrome students, from 2006 - 2009. Lastly, returning to Stone Mountain School, he was the Director of Academics until his appointment as the President and Headmaster of Brandon Hall.
Dr. Singleton has presented nationally and is published on the subject of learning differences. His most recent presentations and publications occurred at Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Transitioning from a Therapeutic Environment to a Supportive Traditional Boarding School: The Best Practices, Philadelphia, PA, May 6, 2011 and Texas A&M University - Southwest Teaching and Learning Conference in San Antonio. He has attended Harvard Graduate School of Education for the Independent Schools Institute. He has also furthered his studies at Yale Child Study Center, Fred Volkmar, M.D., Autism Spectrum Disorder Institute (2008) in Hartford, CT; Minds and Hearts Clinic, Tony Attwood, Ph.D. - Asperger Syndrome Institute (2007) in Philadelphia, PA; Medical University of South Carolina, Russell Barkley, Ph.D. - ADHD Institute (2006) in Park City, UT; and Ritz-Carlton Leadership Institute (2007) in Lake Las Vegas, NV
In his spare time, Dr. Singleton loves to travel and spend time with his side-kick, Shelby, his Standard Poodle.
Presidents/Headmasters
Theodore Hecht (1959-1980)Harrison W. Kimbrell (1981-1994)
Laurie S. Spigener (1994-1997)
Gary Coker (1997-2001)
Paul R. Stockhammer (2001-2010)
John L. Singleton, Ed. D.(Current)
Current Trustees
James R. Langendorfer- ChairmanAlan W. Butler- Vice Chairman
Robbin Shipp, J.D.- Secretary
Anthony Bondoch
O.C Lam III, Ph.D.
F. Rod Austin, Ex-officio-Rivergate HOA President
JoAnn Mustain
Scott Duncan
