town school for boys head of school

Town School for BoySSan franciSco, california

head of SchoolJuly 2017

www.townschool.com

1The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

Mission Statement

At Town School, learning is prized, love of school is essential, and boyhood is celebrated.

Philosophy

As an all boys’ school, Town provides a rich, challenging and rigorous educational experience that addresses the distinctive energy levels and developmental styles of boys. Town values being a diverse community that nurtures integrity, sensitivity and respect in its boys, and prepares them to become productive and contributing members of an ever-changing world.

Fast Facts

• Founded: 1939• Students: 400• Faculty: 85• Students from diverse families: 36%• Student/teacher ratio: 11:1• Students receiving tuition assistance: 18%

The PoSiTion400 happy boys fill the new and expanding campus of the Town School for Boys in San Francisco, where the school’s mission is concise: At Town School, learning is prized, love of school is essential, and boyhood is celebrated. Every type of boy is celebrated for his diverse interests. Through a program that blends established traditions and innovation, the school prepares its K-8 students for success in secondary school and beyond. The balanced learning environment at Town creates a child-friendly atmosphere that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

After 27 years of outstanding leadership, current Head of School Brewster Ely will retire June 30, 2016. Town will be led by an interim leader during the 2016-17 academic year, and the next Head of School will begin his or her tenure in July, 2017. The new Head must embrace and delight in boys’ education, work closely with faculty and administration and an active parent community, strive to maintain the school’s distinctive atmosphere of warmth and welcome, be a leader in current best practices, and actively partner with the Board of Trustees. The next Head will join a close-knit and inclusive community, embracing the opportunities and challenges inherent in a well-established and joyful school.

The SchoolFor over 75 years, Town has provided a rich, challenging educational experience for boys. The goal is student engagement: teachers strive to connect

Diversity Statement

At Town School, we believe an inclusive school community creates the best learning environment, enhances educational excellence, and better prepares our students to meet the challenges of our world. For more information, see Town’s Diversity Mission Statement.

http://www.townschool.com/Page/Admissions/A-Diverse-Town

http://www.townschool.com/Page/Admissions/A-Diverse-Town

with and motivate each and every boy through a curriculum that weaves together collaboration, critical thinking, integrity, empathy, and creativity. Teachers at Town believe that boys flourish in a joyful, active, and collaborative school.

Social-emotional learning is just as important to the Town philosophy as academic rigor. Faculty prepare students for a global world by helping them develop an appreciation of diverse perspectives, and they celebrate diversity by fostering a community of learners built on mutual respect. Boys emerge as self-aware lifelong learners, engaged in intellectual pursuit and prepared for further education.

For more information see Town’s Statement of Teaching Philosophy.

academicS

Town’s authentic curriculum originates in the classroom, travels the halls, and extends into the world beyond. Teaching balances traditional methods with student-centered approaches, including inquiry- and project-based learning and teaching for understanding. Teachers model for their students a commitment to lifelong learning. Relevant topics and hands-on learning keep boys engaged.

Lower School

The Lower School at Town comprises grades K-4, where students’ natural intellectual curiosity and excitement about learning are embraced and developed. In this supportive and boy-friendly environment, students acquire core competencies that will aid them in elementary school and beyond. Teachers focus on the skills needed


Core Values

• We value learning and academic excellence. We support and encourage each boy to do his best while helping him discover his strengths and talents.

• We value programs that balance academic effort, social interaction, physical activity and artistic expression while embracing character education.

• We value respect for ourselves and others. We model integrity, honesty and kindness in our daily lives and we take responsibility for our own actions.

• We value diversity which brings the variety of perspectives that are integral to an excellent education and a dynamic community. We believe it is essential that every member of the community is equally valued and included in the life of the school.

• We value commitment to community service. We seek opportunities to improve our greater community through volunteer activities sponsored by the school as part of our role as good citizens.

http://www.townschool.com/Page/About-Town/Teaching-Philosophy

http://www.townschool.com/Page/About-Town/Teaching-Philosophy


to thrive in a 21st century world: critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and collaboration.

As they progress through the Lower School, students become proficient readers, writers, and oral communicators through the school’s language arts curriculum. Students participate in a workshop model, which allows them to build skills and independence in reading and writing. The boys have a high degree of choice, fostering their passion for language arts and building their confidence as learners. Math is taught via a spiraling approach, allowing students to apply mathematical thinking to real-life problems in developmentally-appropriate increments.

The school’s social studies curriculum emphasizes cultural differences and multiple perspectives, and the STEM curriculum allows students to explore a variety of topics through hands-on experiences. As students grow older, they receive more freedom and independence, which prepares them for the Upper School. For example, fourth graders begin the transition to Upper School by meeting as a class for language arts. Third and fourth graders add electives to their schedules, including drama, woodshop, Lego engineering, and digital photography. At all levels, integrated technology enhances learning and allows students to gain facility with important 21st century tools.

The arts are an important aspect of Lower School life, and students are taught the fundamentals of music appreciation, theory, and basic rhythmic structure. They sing together in Glee Club and are featured in special performances.

The Responsive Classroom approach is followed throughout the Lower School, helping build community and ensuring that teachers focus on students’ social and emotional well-being. Students are firmly entrenched within a caring, supportive community as they transition to the challenges of the Upper School.

Upper School

In the Upper School, teachers encourage high academic standards as well as personal integrity, good sportsmanship, and mutual respect. Traditional and progressive models of instruction are combined to foster the best possible learning outcomes; teacher-centered instruction and student-centered approaches effectively develop critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and collaboration.

Students learn research, study, and time management skills as they delve into the rich Upper School curriculum, which includes advanced study in literature and composition; ancient, medieval, and modern history; integrated sciences;

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/


math; and physical education. Foreign language study begins in fifth grade with the study of Spanish, and Latin is introduced in seventh grade. Town’s 1:1 iPad and netbook program allows teachers and students to take advantage of research, creating tools and implementing technologies that are specifically applicable to certain classes.

Students take their learning outside the walls of the school through Town’s extensive outdoor education program. Through overnight field trips to points of interest throughout and beyond California, students have the chance to apply scientific principles to the natural world. They learn about coastal habitats and marine environments in the Marin Headlands, hike and kayak through Mount Cross in Santa Cruz, hike and rock climb at Pinnacles, and learn about various ecosystems and organisms at Yosemite National Park.

Students have the opportunity to pursue electives in art, drama, music, yearbook, student council, woodshop, digital design, and public speaking. In recent years, Town’s STEM program has developed into a full-fledged design electives track, which offers opportunities for fun coding and computer science activities as well as design projects. Through various activities including robotics, 3D printing, and Lego engineering, students learn to experiment, take risks, and discover their true potential.

Whatever their interests, Town students are inspired to find and follow their own passions, and they are encouraged to be themselves.

STudenT life

Town’s overarching sense of community is evident in all aspects of school life, from its inclusive and diverse academic offerings to its after school care and enrichment programs. Students can elect to stay at Town even after the regular school day through an extended day program or by pursuing learning enrichment activities. Many

students participate in interscholastic athletics, where they are encouraged to develop as athletes and sportsmen. Boys are encouraged to participate regardless of ability level; at Town, there is a team for every boy who wants to play.

Community service is an important aspect of Town’s culture, and boys have frequent opportunities to contribute to and enrich their communities. In class, they learn about the communities that exist in the classroom, school, city, and world, and age-appropriate activities introduce them


to the concept and practice of giving back. Younger students take on responsibilities around the school including the rooftop garden and recycling. Seventh and eighth grade advisory groups select an organization to focus on during the year, and work with that group all four of their service days. They have worked with a variety of organizations outside of school including the Marin Food Bank, Save a Bunny and Family House. The entire school community gathers for the Dia de Servicio in March, participating in service activities throughout the Bay Area.

Students learn that service and commitment begin in their own communities, and they work on a variety of green initiatives including a recycling program, sustainability awareness in the curriculum, and on-site gardening projects.

new Teacher inSTiTuTe

In 1990, Town established its New Teacher Institute, a two-year training program that combines both theoretical and practical aspects of classroom teaching. The school welcomes 15 interns on a two-year rotation, and interns gain experience over two different grade levels with two different head teachers during their time at Town. New teachers have the opportunity for immediate feedback, hands-on experience, and established mentorship. To date, 160 graduates have completed teacher training through Town’s New Teacher Institute, and some remain at Town in full time roles upon completing the renowned program.

Building for BoyS

Town is in the final stages of a capital campaign and campus renovation, which has resulted thus far in the building or rebuilding of 80% percent of our campus, and an additional 18,000 square feet of space. A multi-lab STEM center and a light-filled art center were completed in 2012, and 2013-14 saw the major renovation of the school’s core, the introduction of a literary arts center and second STEM lab, the addition of flexible classrooms and learning spaces, and a new area underneath the lower field for the future Dolby Performing Arts Center and multipurpose space. Town’s beautiful new campus now reflects its curriculum and pedagogy, providing state-of-the-art, research-backed approaches to learning. The final stage of the campus master plan is the buildout of the performing arts center and multipurpose space. The goal is to complete fundraising for the Dolby Performing Arts Center by June 2016, and to begin construction as soon as feasible thereafter.


San franciSco, californiaTown’s location in the heart of San Francisco places the school at the epicenter of one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the United States. Many of the world’s most recognized technology and biotechnology firms call the San Francisco Bay Area home. Residents of the city have access to some of the finest cultural resources and recreational attractions in the nation. The area’s strong sense of entrepreneurship and innovation has led to a spirit of optimism that can be felt throughout the Bay Area.

The head of SchoolThe position of Head of Town School is an outstanding leadership opportunity for July 2017. Ably led for nearly 27 years by its current head, Brewster Ely, Town School has enjoyed many improvements in program and facilities during this time. The result is a stunningly beautiful, boy-friendly space that awaits the new Head of School. All metrics are strong, including a highly competent leadership team ready to welcome the next Head of School. Town School celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014-15 and enjoys a strong identity. The community stands poised for the next phase of its long and distinguished history. The school enjoys an extraordinary reputation in San Francisco and beyond, and is enthusiastically supported by its trustees, parents, students and alumni.

oPPorTuniTieS and challengeSThe new Head of School will face many important opportunities as he or she assumes leadership of the school. Opportunities include:

• Working with an engaged and seasoned Board of Trustees to envision the future of the school through careful planning and thoughtful implementation of its strategic goals.

• Working with all constituents to continue to clarify and communicate Town’s identity in the community.• Working with administrative leaders to review the academic program of the school thereby bringing

coordination, integration, and evaluation of the K-8 curriculum.• Working with the Board of Trustees to successfully manage the school’s resources and to continue to

strengthen its financial position.• Imagining how Town School can bring global education into the classroom and providing opportunities


for boys to reach beyond their school.• Working with members of the community to further foster best practices in the operation of the school,

including both academic and administrative policies and procedures.• Continuing the excellent relationship that the school enjoys with its parents, students, alumni, and local

community.• Continuing the culture of celebrating boyhood in a warm and welcoming school community.

QualificaTionS and QualiTieS of The nexT head of SchoolThe following represent the consensus of the Search Committee and the community as to what Town is seeking in its next Head of School. He or she should:

• Understand boys’ development and celebrate the unique aspects of boys in schools, “a head with a heart.”• Understand the fundamental value of a balanced education for boys, including rigorous academics and

ethical education in equal measure.• See school as fun, as a place of student/adult interaction that fosters a love of learning.• Be an excellent communicator with all constituents, continuing the school’s close relationship with parents

and respectful relationship with faculty and staff.• Be a decision-maker who collaborates well and acts with a full appreciation of all affected.• Be a leader who respects, celebrates, and supports a diverse and inclusive community, with experience

working effectively with and in diverse cultures and communities.• Possess strategic vision and a record of demonstrated leadership, either as a Head of School or as an

experienced administrator.• Be knowledgeable of current technological changes.• Be committed to the role of athletics and art in a balanced educational program.• Be enthusiastic about global educational opportunities, as well as service learning and learning support.• Have experience as a teacher and administrator in an academically rigorous independent school setting.• Have demonstrated training in his/her discipline, including a graduate degree.• Respect, support, lead, and collaborate with teaching and administrative colleagues.• Possess an abundant sense of joy and active sense of humor.

To aPPlyTo aPPly for head of School at town School for BoyS, candidates should submit the following materials electronically to Jake Dresden and Bob Fricker of Carney, Sandoe & Associates:

• A cover letter explaining the reasons for interest in and qualifications for becoming the next Head of School at Town School for Boys

• A current resume• A personal educational statement• The names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of five references. References will be contacted only

with the candidate’s permission.

Jake Dresden | Bob Fricker [email protected] | [email protected]

Senior Search Consultantscarney, Sandoe & aSSociaTeS

44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02138www.carneysandoe.com

The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com8

town school for boys head of school

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