Following Mr. Craig Bradley’s announcement that he will step down as head of school after the 2025-2026 year, the school has asked students for input as they begin the search for a future leader.

Since assuming leadership in 2016, Mr. Bradley has served as an instrumental part of advancing the school’s mission and raising funds to support its initiatives. Under his guidance, the school has expanded its upper-level research programs in multiple departments, enhanced diversity and inclusion initiatives, and begun contruction of a new dining facility.

The school is collaborating with the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to find Mr. Bradley’s successor. Mrs. Lisa Brown, chief of staff to the head of school, said, “We’re looking for someone who’s kind, very student and faculty driven, and who wants to continue with the rigor and excellence of our academic experience, but also keep building community.”

Isaacson, Miller has begun holding listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, and current parents to discuss traits the community would like to see in a future leader.

The school has formed a search committee of trustees, faculty, and staff that includes Michelle Repass, instructor in English, and Roger Wistar, director of computer science.

All-School President Isiah Stephens ’25 said, “Student leaders from all grades offered insights into their most memorable experiences with Mr. Bradley. We agreed that his presence in the hallways, during school meetings, at concerts and sports games has made our experience meaningful. We hope the next head of school will have a strong presence on campus, to engage not only the students but the faculty as well. We agreed that faculty involvement in the life of students should increase, to foster community engagement. We believe a more spirited and energized head of school can spark this change.”

The school also sent a survey to all students, faculty, staff, alums, and parents to gather feedback on the characteristics that community members consider to be most important in the next head of school. They were asked to share leadership qualities they are looking for, things the new head of school should prioritize, and any changes that they would like to see made on campus.