Northfield, Ill., March 22, 2022 — The Board of Directors at Christian Heritage Academy (CHA), a private, independent Christian school for students in preschool through twelfth grade, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Joseph Torgerson as Head of School, effective July 1, 2022.
“Christian Heritage Academy is built on decades of commitment to offering an excellent, Christian education to serve families in the Chicago area,” Torgerson said. “I look forward to further developing the holistic student experience at CHA—prioritizing not only what students know but helping them understand who they are in Jesus and how they can grow in mission and service to the world.”
Torgerson’s passion about the personalization and adaptation of such educational values stems from a storied background. The son of missionary parents, Torgerson grew up in Hong Kong. He graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., with a history degree, and he earned his Master’s in Education at the University of Missouri. After teaching high school humanities for nine years at college preparatory schools in St. Louis, Mo., and in Taiwan, Torgerson became a K-12 school principal at an international school in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Upon moving back to the United States, he spent two years doing Ph.D. coursework and working in Student Life at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Ill. He began serving as the Middle and Upper School Principal at Christian Heritage Academy in 2021.
The Board’s decision to appoint Torgerson came after a yearlong, international search process, which was narrowed down to several candidates with outstanding spiritual and academic leadership qualifications.
“While these candidates were indeed impressive, Mr. Torgerson clearly stood out as an exceptional educator and leader,” Andy Bulluck, CHA Board Chairman, said. “His educational background and experience, commitment to Christian education, and exemplary leadership as principal this year make us confident that his leadership as Head of School will be instrumental in moving us into the season ahead.”
When Torgerson came into his current role at CHA in 2021, mid-pandemic, he understood the pivotal time in which he was entering. He believed it was crucial to come together as a community, look ahead, and focus on the school’s mission. With these intentions, Torgerson honed in on expected student outcomes, faculty development, community building, and vision casting.
“In working alongside Mr. Torgerson this year, it is clear to me that his wise and collaborative leadership methods stem from the sincere, relational engagement he has with students, parents, and faculty,” Joan Okamoto, Early Education and Lower School Principal, said. “His leadership inspires those around him to know better, be better, and do better.”
“Excellence in education is important, and the reason that Christian Heritage Academy exemplifies this is because of our first commitment—establishing a firm foundation centered on Jesus Christ,” Torgerson said. “I am grateful to the Board for inviting me to lead CHA into the next chapter.”