Welcome to Patriot High School!

Patriot High School ranks as one of the top high schools in the northern Virginia area, having been consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report and the Washington Post as one of America’s Best High Schools.

We believe the learning environment that has been created in this building has been matched with an instructional staff that allows students to excel. Our instructional and support staff work diligently to provide the optimal learning environment for our students.

Meet the Principal

I am honored to serve as the Principal of Patriot High School, a community I have been proud to be part of since 2011. My journey in education spans over 22 years, beginning as a music educator in Upstate New York and later at Potomac High School in Prince William County. I joined Patriot High School as the band director in 2011 and the administrative team in 2018. In January 2025, I stepped into the role of Acting Principal and was officially appointed Principal in July of the same year.

I hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Ithaca College and completed my post-graduate studies in educational leadership and administration at George Washington University. These experiences have shaped my belief that instructional excellence is a shared responsibility and a fundamental right for every student.

My leadership is rooted in the conviction that schools must meet the needs of all learners through high expectations, inclusive practices, and meaningful engagement. I believe student success is built on strong, collaborative partnerships among staff, students, families, and the broader community. I am committed to fostering a welcoming, culturally responsive environment where every student is empowered to pursue a thriving future.

David A. Van Gelder
Principal