Applying to a school with new leadership

[Anonymous]

Would you apply to a school that was getting a new major leader (principal, head of school, etc.)? There is a school we like enough, but it is getting a new major leader and we are unsure how the school will shift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you apply to a school that was getting a new major leader (principal, head of school, etc.)? There is a school we like enough, but it is getting a new major leader and we are unsure how the school will shift.

I understand your concerns because we are at a school that will get new leadership in a year. However, people retire, move on to new opportunities, etc. Heck, we get new political leadership, and we adjust. I would do some research but I wouldn't let new leadership deter you from applying if you like the school.

[Anonymous]

Of course I would. No school is just one person. What you like is the sum total of that person along with the faculty, staff, parents, children and advisors of the school.

Would you transfer after a year if you heard your school's leadership was changing? Probably not. I would think the school will likely bring in a person who similarly supports the mission and style of the school as it is.

[Anonymous]

I have seen many schools deteriorate under new leadership - however, that usually doesn't happen all in the first year. i would think if you are comfortable with the idea that you don't know how new leadership will play out, go ahead - the first year or two shouldn't be dramatically different than under a previous leader. But things will change, and you can't know if for good or bad.

[Anonymous]

Change is good. New leadership brings in new ideas and also has a school look at everything they do critically which often leads to new fresh perspectives.

[Anonymous]

If you like the school more than others - yes. If accepted to two schools I 100% equally liked as a parent for my child and one was in transition and the other wasn't - I'd go with the more stable. That said - you never know whether the school you choose to join is going to be any more stable once you get there. You just cannot predict what will happen in years to follow.

[Anonymous]

If the school is Norwood then I would. The new Head seems really great.

[Anonymous]

Another school with a new leader in 2014-15 is Edmund Burke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you apply to a school that was getting a new major leader (principal, head of school, etc.)? There is a school we like enough, but it is getting a new major leader and we are unsure how the school will shift.

Yes, I absolutely would.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another school with a new leader in 2014-15 is Edmund Burke

And Sheridan too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another school with a new leader in 2014-15 is Edmund Burke

And Sheridan too

They won't have a new head until 2016

[Anonymous]

Sorry meant 2015

[Anonymous]

I have heard so many incredible things about the new Norwood head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have heard so many incredible things about the new Norwood head.

+1

[Anonymous]

Beauvoir has a new head, as does Burke, NCRC and Norwood. Schools currently looking for new heads include Sidwell, Sheridan amongst others. These changes are a part of school. Don't choose a school because of one person. Find out if the school has a soul and if the mission is alive throughout all grades and within every classroom.