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Michael joined Walker in 9th grade and returned in 2002 as a Social Studies teacher. A graduate of Duke (B.A. Economics), Georgia State (M.A. Economics), and Columbia (M.Ed. Private School Leadership), he served as Director of Studies and then led the Upper School from 2016–2025. Today, Michael is Walker’s Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs.
His wife, Katie Arjona, has been a Walker dance and drama teacher for 22 years. Their daughter, Lucy, a current junior and Walker Lifer, is active in softball, dance, and our partnership with Fair Oaks Elementary. The Arjonas enjoy cheering on the Braves and traveling together.
Were there any teachers or mentors who had a lasting impact on you?
I had so many teachers who had a lasting impact on me. They inspired me to be a teacher and showed me what school could really be like. The first teachers that come to mind are Jean Stricklen, Dixie Bowden, and Don Parkhurst. They were particularly memorable because they expected so much of us and created fun, intellectual classes.
How has the school changed since you were a student? How has it stayed the same?
The two things that have changed since I was a student are that there are so many more opportunities available in the Upper School (research classes, interesting electives, more APs, band, orchestra, a football team, etc.) and the school is also much more diverse than when I was a student. The increase in diversity is great and creates a much richer experience for my daughter (a current high school student) and prepares her for college and beyond. The "love is spoken here" ethos of Walker is the key aspect of Walker that has stayed the same, along with the high-level academics, which are just as strong (or stronger) than they were with all of those great Walker teachers of my time as a student.
What’s one thing you wish today’s students knew about the school’s past?
That the food is 100 times better than when we were in school (sorry Soups On).
Are there any traditions or events that are especially meaningful to you?
The holiday assembly is my favorite - it is a great mix of old traditions like the students singing the 12 Days of Christmas and new traditions like Holiday Just Dance and the costume contest.
What makes this school community unique, in your opinion?
What we hear from the students and recent alumni is that Walker is unique because it has a really strong academic program in a more caring environment than most. Our kids are taking advanced courses and are very involved without it feeling like a pressure cooker. That is all due to the Walker teachers.
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