Mike Irani

is thrilled to join the Charlottesville Day School community, bringing with him
over two decades of experience as a dedicated educational leader in the Charlottesville and the Albemarle County area.

Mike comes to CDS from Agnor Elementary, where he has served as Principal since
2021. Prior to his time at Agnor, he served for seven years as the Principal of Ivy
Elementary, and held leadership roles as an Assistant Principal at both Charlottesville
High School and Mountain View Elementary.

Mike’s educational journey is rooted in a deep love for both the humanities and
leadership. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and Anthropology from the
College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College. He furthered his commitment to excellence in education by earning his Doctorate in
Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.

Known for his “warm demander” approach, Mike is passionate about building school
environments where every student is known, valued, and challenged to reach their full
potential. He believes that the heart of a great school lies in the strength of its
relationships—between teachers, students, and families—and he is eager to foster that
same sense of joyful, supportive community at CDS.

Outside of school, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children. A
long-time resident of the Charlottesville area, he can often be found exploring the local
outdoors or staying active within the community he is so proud to call home.