Tim Grimes has served as Head of School at Summit since 2013. Prior to coming to Summit, Tim served as a public school administrator for twenty-four years. Tim earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University and his master’s degree in education from The College of William and Mary. With his wife of forty-one years, Sue and Tim have five children (one a Summit graduate) and two grandchildren, one of whom is a current student at Summit. In his free time Tim enjoys anything outdoors, especially if it involves a canoe.
Justin Throupe joins Summit as the Principal of the Upper School after completing fifteen years of teaching and administrative experience in public school. Justin’s journey to the position of Principal at the Upper School began when he received his first copy of The Classical Difference magazine and read an article about another school administrator who transitioned in leadership from public school to a classical Christian school. He received his BA in history and his MA in teaching from CNU, and his Ed.S. in educational leadership and policy studies from VA Tech. Justin and his wife, Lori, have two children, Landon and Kylie, who attend Summit at the grammar school. As a family they enjoy camping and hiking. Justin also enjoys playing golf in his leisure time.
Melanie Seaton has served as the Grammar School Principal since 2014, stepping into administration from the classroom where she had taught 3rd grade (and 6th grade Math) for eight years. Melanie's passion for classical Christian education began in 1994 when she joined a group of people who wanted to start a local Christian school. Upon hearing of the classical school movement, she visited Geneva School near Orlando to get a first-hand view and knew this was what God had called her to! She had the honor of being part of the Steering Committee and later Founding Board of Summit Christian Academy, and has served in many different roles through the years (Business Manager, substitute teacher, room mom, basketball and volleyball coach, teacher, and now Principal). Melanie received her BBA from the College of William and Mary and Masters in Educational Leadership from Regent University. She loves spending time with her husband Jeff, their two kids (both of whom are Summit grads), and their dogs - preferably hiking through a national park.
