President, Girard College
Pennsylvania

David P. Hardy is President of Girard College and the co-founder and retired CEO of Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s first and only single-gender charter school. Founded in 2007, Boys’ Latin serves students in West Philadelphia through a rigorous classical education complemented by contemporary pedagogy, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a strong college-preparatory focus. Under David’s leadership, Boys’ Latin established a strong record of postsecondary success, with 85% of graduates from its first four graduating classes enrolling in postsecondary education and 80% of those students attending four-year colleges. The school has been recognized nationally by outlets including The Wall Street Journal and NBC.

After retiring from Boys’ Latin in 2017, David served as Executive Director of Excellent Schools PA, a school choice advocacy organization, and founded Parkway Educational Consultants. He has served on numerous education and community boards, including the Center for Education Reform, the Pennsylvania State Coalition of Public Charter Schools, Independence Mission Schools, Ad Prima Charter School, the North Carolina Outward Bound School, and the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center. He is also a former board member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and the Black Alliance for Educational Options.

David lives in Center City Philadelphia with his wife of more than 35 years, Zina Oliver-Hardy. They have two adult sons.