Seton Hall Prep is New Jersey’s oldest Catholic college preparatory school. The Prep's tradition is matched by its commitment to the education of young men by teaching them to think critically, communicate effectively and become contributing members of society.
At Seton Hall Prep, students participate in many of the amazing offerings available to them outside of the classroom. This includes 15 sports, more than 70 activities and clubs, a variety of intramurals and a seemingly endless number of service projects.
“To equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.”
Upon recommendation of Monsignor Michael E. Kelly ‘57, President, and the Board of Trustees, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, has appointed Mr. Michael Gallo, Class of 1979, as Headmaster of Seton Hall Preparatory School, effective October 18, 2019.
Msgr. Kelly stated, “I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Mr. Michael Gallo to continue the excellent academic strength and Catholicity that are embodied by Seton Hall Prep and foster continued development of the rich tradition of the oldest Catholic Prep School in New Jersey.”
Previously, Mr. Gallo served as Assistant Headmaster (2006-2019) and oversaw all facets of the daily operation of the school and the building itself, including supervision of the following departments - Activities, Athletics, Campus Ministry, College Placement, School Counseling, the Learning Assistance Program, the Dean of Men, and the Bookstore. Most recently, he established the new structure of the academic leadership by coordinating an Assistant Headmaster for Faculty and an Assistant Headmaster for Academics. He also orchestrated the direction of the Business Office resulting from the retirement of the Director of Finance. Mr. Gallo was and will remain responsible for all aspects of campus and school security.
Under his leadership as Assistant Headmaster, Mr. Gallo coordinated an extensive Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) awareness and prevention program, that also preemptively assists students in proper decision-making tactics on social media.
Mr. Gallo helped bring to fruition a plethora of capital improvements, including but not limited to the addition and renovation of the Dining Hall, the addition of the John J. Murphy Science Center, and completion of the 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex.
Having spent his entire professional career at his alma mater, Mr. Gallo has also held positions in Physical Education (1983-1984), School Counseling (1985, 1990-1995), Dean of Men (1987-1990, 1995-2006), and most recently Assistant Headmaster for Operations (2006-2019).
A standout scholar-athlete at Seton Hall Prep from 1975-1979, Mr. Gallo received the prestigious Msgr. William J. Daly ’38 Award, presented to the outstanding senior scholar-athlete upon graduation for his achievement in the classroom, on the gridiron, and on the wrestling mat. He then earned the opportunity to captain the wrestling team at James Madison University, where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
Mr. Gallo continued to pursue post-graduate degrees while working at The Prep, completing his Master of Arts in Education at Seton Hall University, as well as two state certificates from the Department of Education, one in Teacher of Handicapped and the other in Student Personnel Services. Mr. Gallo is also a member of the New Jersey School Counseling Association and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).