An Announcement from the Board of Trustees
June 30, 2025
Dear Gardner School Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am honored to share that, following a successful interim tenure, Courtney Tomlinson has been officially appointed as the next Head of School at Gardner School of Arts & Sciences.
This announcement follows a deeply thoughtful and inclusive vetting process, led with the guidance of Joan Beauregard of Educators Collaborative and shaped by input from across the Gardner community. As we engaged with families, faculty, staff, and administrators over the past several months, we heard clearly what this community values: a leader who is grounded in mission, responsive to the needs of children and adults, and deeply committed to building a thriving, future-ready school. In Courtney, we have found that leader.
Since stepping into the Interim Head of School role in May 2023, Courtney has provided steady, mission-driven leadership grounded in a clear educational philosophy: meaningful learning happens when people feel truly seen, valued, and safe to be themselves. Her leadership is deeply community-centered and begins with authenticity. She models a growth mindset, seeks feedback across constituencies, and leads with clarity and care. Over the past year, she has guided both campuses through administrative transitions, launched the NWAIS accreditation process with a comprehensive self-study, engaged faculty in a collaborative exploration of Gardner’s evolving identity, and revitalized advancement efforts. Each of these initiatives reflects not only operational strength but a leadership style rooted in trust, transparency, and values-based collaboration.
Looking ahead, Courtney has outlined a compelling roadmap. She is eager to complete our NWAIS accreditation process; develop equitable and inclusive employee evaluation and compensation structures; strengthen our presence and partnerships in the broader community; and explore, with curiosity and rigor, the feasibility and mission alignment of expanding through 8th grade. In all of this work, she is committed to building an environment where students can thrive and where the adults who guide them feel challenged, supported, and inspired.
Courtney's leadership embodies the very qualities our school seeks in a Head of School: integrity, strategic thinking, empathy, creativity, and a belief in the transformative power of authentic learning. She is a systems thinker with a human-centered lens, a collaborative leader who brings people together, and a visible, joyful presence on campus.
The Board is excited about the future of Gardner under Courtney’s leadership. We are confident that with her at the helm, Gardner will continue to grow in strength, mission alignment, and impact.
Please join us in congratulating Courtney and celebrating this meaningful milestone for Gardner.
Have a wonderful summer!
Sarah Grenert-Funk
Chair, Gardner School Board of Trustees
Head of School Vetting Committee Chair
Susan Pulley
Development Committee Chair
Head of School Vetting Committee Member
Brian Gilstrap
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Head of School Vetting Committee Member
Message from the Head of School
June 30, 2025
Dear Gardner Community,
It is with great joy that I accept the role of Head of School at Gardner School of Arts & Sciences. Since I first arrived in 2018, I’ve come to understand what makes this place so extraordinary. It’s not just our colorful campus, the expansive natural spaces, or even the vibrant, joyful classrooms. The heart of Gardner is its people, and what sets our school apart is the commitment we make to one another. That commitment is grounded in our dedication to nurturing each child’s growth, and we do that by building meaningful relationships with one another and honoring the dignity and potential of every member of our community.
This past year while serving as Interim Head, I’ve had the privilege of engaging even more deeply with the mission and values of our school. It has been a year full of listening, learning, and leading alongside students, families, and teachers. We expanded our community to include the Country Friends Campus, we’ve moved ahead our goal to become an accredited member of NWAIS, and we have worked together to strengthen the experiences for staff and students while reflecting on our program, mission, and values. I’m inspired by this community and grateful for the opportunity to lead this work for our dynamic, growing school.
As we look to the future, I believe we have a powerful opportunity to highlight the Gardner School difference and to share how students on our campuses have a safe, caring environment in which to learn. We foster a community where students and adults feel seen, valued, and heard, and where we are all empowered to be courageous, curious, creative, and connected. I’m excited to work together as we imagine what’s possible for our school and the students we serve.
With gratitude,
Courtney Tomlinson
Head of School