Navigation

Daniel M. Kerns, Jr.

Head of School Emeritus

Dan Kerns Graduation 2017

What is your favorite thing about Visi?

It is the combination of the people and the place. This is a remarkable community, made up of students and adults who support and encourage each other, who draw from our rich history but at the same time make those traditions meaningful in today's world. The place is extraordinary as well. This is a tranquil oasis in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the world. Just a few miles from the Capitol, you can find a place that offers peace and reflection.

What makes the school unique?

The Sisters… They are the soul of the community and what makes Visitation a truly unique and special place. With the Monastery right next door, the Sisters are able to participate in school life—they moderate homerooms, help with service projects, chaperone trips, and cheer students on at games. Their spirit permeates this place and spreads cheerfully through the community. We know and are grateful that the Sisters have been praying for the school and all of us for over 200 years.

Which is your favorite Little Virtue?

Gentle strength. I love St. Francis de Sales’ quote, “There is nothing so strong as gentleness, and nothing so gentle as real strength." Great advice for a school administrator, a teacher, a student, a parent—anyone.

How do our students and alumnae inspire you?

Visitation students inspire me with their commitment to their school work, their service, the lifetime friendships they develop here, and the faith that informs and influences their lives. Our alumnae go into a wide range of jobs and vocations and inspire others with their work. They are great role models for our students.

What would you want prospective families to know about Visitation?

Membership in this community extends far beyond four years of school. The breadth of a Visitation involvement extends to the entire family, and the depth of the experience extends to every area of student interest in a way that truly lasts a lifetime.

What do you do outside of school for fun?

We have a pretty active household. I enjoy spending times with my wife, Alice, an alum, and our kids (two sons in college, a son in high school, and a daughter in middle school). We enjoy attending their games and activities. We all love spending time in Breton Bay in southern Maryland, where we fish, crab, and spend time on the water.

Dan has been a member of the Visitation community for more than 30 years. He helped start the soccer program here before becoming Assistant Head of School in the mid-’80s, while Sr. Berchmans served as Headmistress. He has been Head of School since 1989. Prior to coming to Visitation, he taught English, social studies, and religion at Our Lady of Lourdes School and was later principal there. He holds a Juris Doctor from George Mason University and a B.A. from St. Bonaventure University.