Earlier today, Head of School Derrick Willard shared a schoolwide greeting that kicked off the annual opening-of-school emails for students and families in each division. Teachers will begin returning to campus later this week, with the first day of the 2024-25 school year coming on Thursday, Aug. 15.

Willard, whose tenure as Head of School began on July 1, shared updates and insights stemming from his time on campus so far.

“After arriving on campus in late June, I enjoyed the month of July, during which I learned more about our people, places and programs,” he wrote. “I have started meeting one-on-one with each of our talented employees. I have explored every inch of this incredible campus. I have spent hours learning about our academic, athletic and arts programs — and our signature program, Lead From Here, which is focused on developing citizen leaders.”

Noting that the school year opens during a divisive national election season, Willard emphasized that Lead From Here provides members of the school community with a roadmap for positive growth, interaction and engagement.

“I am so proud to be at Ravenscroft, where we focus on leadership development through Lead From Here and, in particular, on character (Leading Self), compassion (Leading With Others) and courage (Changing Your World),” he wrote. “Lead From Here, along with our Portrait of a Graduate, fully expresses our hopes and aspirations for every Raven — and their ability to effect positive change as they lead on campus today or in local, state, regional and national arenas in the future.”

After sharing a few tips and logistics for the new year, Willard reflected on the impact of an independent school education, invoking his own family’s experiences.

“As the parents of two independent school graduates, [my wife] Jenny and I appreciate that our children were able to spend their formative years exploring possibilities and multiple pathways to their futures while guided by talented faculty and supported by a community of families who truly valued education. By enrolling your child(ren) at Ravenscroft, you have gained access to the same transformational experience,” he wrote.

Willard brings more than 27 years of leadership in independent schools to his role at Ravenscroft, including, most recently, serving as Head of School at Augusta Prep. Learn more about him on our Head of School webpage, which includes an introductory video.