Former SHS Principal John Klemme Passes Away in Florida

This week we learned that former SHS Principal John Klemme passed away in Florida where he was a teacher at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach County.

Klemme was the Principal of Scarsdale High School for twelve years, and left here at the end of the school year in 2011.
Klemme led the school through some challenging times including Columbine, September 11 and the Homecoming event of 2002 which got out of control. He also shepherded the school through a controversial transition from AP to AT courses.
Read an interview with Klemme upon his 2011 departure from SHS here.

He was initially an English teacher in Florida but also served as their interim Head of School from 2016 to 2018. Here is a letter from Oxbridge about his tenure there.

Dear Oxbridge Alumni Community,

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved English Department Chair and Honors Seminar English teacher, Mr. John Klemme, who has served the Oxbridge Academy community with dedication, wisdom, and compassion since our founding in 2011.

Mr. Klemme joined Oxbridge Academy after retiring as the principal of Scarsdale High School in New York, driven by his enduring love for teaching. Throughout his career, he inspired countless students and faculty with his passion for literature and the Great Books—timeless works like Dante’s Inferno, Aeschylus’s The Oresteia, Shakespeare’s King Lear, and Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Mr. Klemme taught students not only to read and understand these classics but also to love and appreciate them. He believed that literature elevates our understanding of the world. Many of his former students credit him with transforming how they read and interpret books, often describing him as the teacher who had the most significant impact on their writing and speaking, helping them become more insightful and precise thinkers.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Klemme was instrumental in establishing the Cambridge Scholars Program in 2014, forging an exclusive partnership with Cambridge University. Each year, this rigorous two-week course allows 15 qualified juniors to study British history and literature at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Through this program, Mr. Klemme helped students engage deeply with complex ideas and hone their critical writing and analytical skills. His work on the Cambridge program has left students with a lasting appreciation for history, literature, and the interconnectedness of global issues.

From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Klemme also served as Oxbridge Academy’s interim Head of School, leading the school with integrity and a strong commitment to students, faculty, and staff. As a colleague, he was one of the kindest individuals—always known for his warmth and generosity. He loved opera, Broadway theatre and his family. He cherished his son and grandchildren, proudly sharing their photos whenever possible.

Mr. Klemme’s influence and unwavering commitment to academic excellence have helped shape our school’s mission, growth, innovation, and success. His legacy is woven into the fabric of our school, and his impact on everyone who knew him is profound. He will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who were touched by his wisdom and kindness.

We will keep you updated regarding any services.