Titles: Director of Upper School, Teacher

Location: Upper School

Departments: History, College Guidance, Administration

Frank Crane is the Director of Upper School and a member of the History Department. Since joining us in 1991, Mr. Crane has served the Academy as the Director of Middle School and spent two years as the Director of Alumni Affairs. Before accepting his current Director of Upper School position, he served as Academic Dean.

Mr. Crane continues to teach classes, serves as a Grade 12 advisor, coordinates the annual Grade 9 London trip, and coaches Lacrosse because he values staying connected with students and faculty. His great work has made such an impact that he has received two Richard E. Diamond Faculty Enrichment Grants. As a member of the History Department, Mr. Crane has taught AP European History and United States History, as well as several Middle and Upper School classes and electives. His passion for history goes beyond the classroom walls, as he currently serves as the Vice President of the Staten Island Historical Society's board.

After graduating from an independent school, Mr. Crane acquired an Applied Baccalaureate from Kenyon College and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. Before joining the Academy faculty, Mr. Crane worked at Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA, and the Gow School in South Wales, NY. He is married to Director of Admissions Caroline Stirn Crane '83 and is the father of two Staten Island Academy graduates.

Titles: Director of College Guidance, Assistant Upper School Director, Teacher

Location: Upper School

Departments: History, College Guidance, Administration

Michael Acquilano is the Assistant Director of Upper School and Director of College Guidance. He holds a BA in History from Hobart College and a MA in History from Rutgers University. Mr. Acquilano came to the Academy in 1997 as Director of Development. One year later, he added college advising and teaching to his responsibilities. As a History faculty member, Mr. Acquilano has taught United States History and numerous Upper School elective courses. He also finds time to serve as the Girls' Junior Varsity Lacrosse Coach.

In 2001, Mr. Acquilano became the full-time Director of College Guidance at Staten Island Academy. He is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC), and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS). Mr. Acquilano is a former President of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, where he also held the positions of Chief Delegate and Government Relations Co-Chair. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences as an expert in his field. Currently, he is a Princeton Review National College Counselor Advisory Board member.

Before joining the Academy, Mr. Acquilano spent six years at Wagner College, four in the admissions office as Associate Director of Admissions and Assistant Director of Admissions and two in Development. He was an Admission Counselor at Hobart College and is a past President of the Hobart College Alumni Association. Other outside interests include history-related travel and serving on the Board of Directors of the Conference House Association on Staten Island. Mr. Acquilano and his wife, Giovanna, are the proud parents of three children, all of whom are Academy students!

Title: Upper School  & College Guidance Administrative Assistant

Location: Upper School

Department: Administration

Mrs. Ryan joined the Academy in 2022 as the Upper School Administrative Assistant. She is the mother of two Academy students and is excited to be a part of the SIA faculty. She assists the Upper School Director, faculty, and students from Grade 9 through Grade 12 in Kearns Hall. Additionally, she works closely with the Director of College Guidance, Mr. Michael Acquilano, processing college applications, transcripts, and recommendation letters for all of our seniors.