Don Furjes didn’t expect a lateral move after seven years of serving as Avery Elementary School’s principal. But leading a school that teaches kindergarten through eighth grade was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Furjes is set to become Remington Traditional School’s principal July 1.

Remington Traditional School, part of Pattonville School District, teaches elementary and middle-schoolers. The incoming principal said he hopes this is an opportunity to reinvent himself.

Furjes is fascinated by the older student’s ages at Remington. They’re at an age where the students want to be adults, he said, yet they still have kids in them.

Those age groups might also be a challenge for Furjes. He admits he doesn’t have a lot of experience with those grades, but he has started to immerse himself in the middle school culture. He’s spoken with colleagues at Hixon Middle School in Webster Groves. He also looks forward to teacher lounge conversations and professional development opportunities.

Remington’s new principal started his career as a physical education teacher in the Parkway School District. He eventually made his way to an assistant principal in Parkway before moving to Avery Elementary as building principal.

Furjes said he sees education administration having more of a global impact on students.

He grew up in South County, attending school in Mehlville. He majored in physical education at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He then earned a master’s degree at Lindenwood University and a doctorate at Saint Louis University.

Education runs in Furjes’ family. He said his uncle is a longtime school principal, while his sister and cousins are also in education.

He sees his career continuing in education, aspiring to one day becoming a superintendent. Furjes hopes to gain valuable experience as Remington’s principal.