Dr. La Faye Howard
Incoming Principal - B-CC’s Centennial Year
Photo credit to Charlotte Kesl/National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The B-CC Educational Foundation is delighted to introduce Dr. La Faye Howard, who will join Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School as principal for the 2026–2027 school year — a milestone year as B-CC celebrates its centennial.
Dr. Howard is a dynamic and collaborative educator who has dedicated her career to building schools where every student is known, challenged, and supported. A former English teacher turned accomplished administrator, she brings a culture-first philosophy, a data-informed mindset, and a genuine belief that excellence and joy in learning go hand in hand.
Although her formal start is this summer, Dr. Howard has already started to build relationships with the B-CC Community that will define her leadership.
"It’s not what you say, but what you do… How you show up every day."
— Dr. Howard, on how she builds culture
Vision: All students will achieve at high levels, and make academic gains each year.
ACCESS
Ensuring Pathways for Every Learner.
OPPORTUNITY
Unlocking Potential through Diverse Programs.
SUPPORT
Comprehensive Systems for Holistic Well-Being
A bit about Dr. Howard’s Story
From the library to the principal's office
Dr. Howard's love of learning began on Saturday mornings — her mother regularly took her and her brothers to the library, where she would spend hours perusing the shelves. They would also spend weekends exploring the many museums in Washington, D.C. Those early experiences instilled a lifelong passion for literature and inquiry that led her to the classroom.
After earning her credentials and teaching English for four years, Dr. Howard transitioned into school leadership — drawn by the opportunity to shape the experience of not just one classroom, but an entire community. She has since held a series of leadership roles that have sharpened her skills as an instructional leader, strategic thinker, and community builder.
Her family will tell you she has always been a natural leader — someone who offers direction, encouragement, and guidance as readily as she gives it in a school hallway. That quality, combined with a genuine love of people, is what makes her such a compelling fit for B-CC.
And a few fun facts about Dr. Howard… She is an accomplished home renovator — she can tile, lay hardwood floors, and install cabinetry, skills she learned from her father. She is also passionate about interior design and fashion, and counts attending a fashion week among her bucket list goals. She recharges by hiking near falls or spending time on the beach. And two of her favorite restaurants are Agora and La Vie.
Building on What Makes B-CC Great
Dr. Howard comes to B-CC with clear eyes and high expectations. She sees a school with strong foundations — and her focus is on deepening what's working while bringing fresh energy and attention to what's next.
Her vision for every student is both straightforward and ambitious: meaningful academic growth each year, a sense of belonging, strong relationships with the people around them, and the confidence and preparation to step into whatever comes after graduation.
She is also eager to add to B-CC's culture of celebration. Dr. Howard hopes to introduce a "What's Next Day" — a spring tradition where seniors gather to mark their next chapter, organizing themselves by college, military branch, workforce plans, or gap year, and connecting with classmates headed in the same direction. She is equally excited to explore B-CC's existing traditions and make them her own — including, if the arts faculty will have her, a spot in the staff number.
As B-CC steps into its centennial year, there is no better moment to celebrate how far this community has come — and to look ahead with intention. One hundred years of traditions, relationships, and remarkable students have shaped this school into something worth honoring. Dr. Howard arrives not to reinvent that legacy, but to build on it — bringing new energy, new ideas, and a deep commitment to making B-CC feel like home for every student who walks through its doors.
The next chapter is just beginning. We can't wait to write it together.