The Woodstock Academy, an independent day and boarding, co-educational high school, seeks its next visionary Head of School to lead this thriving, inclusive institution rooted in more than 200 years of tradition and shaped by innovation. Dedicated to developing global citizens and lifelong learners, The Woodstock Academy boasts extensive programs in academics, arts, and athletics, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, enriching clubs, performing arts programs, athletic teams, and opportunities to learn outside the classroom through field trips and travel.
Building on the school’s evolution over the last decade under Head of School Christopher J. Sandford, The Woodstock Academy seeks a leader to partner with its professional Board of Trustees to continue the school’s journey of success and inspiration. This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing educational community that is comprised of students from local sending towns in lieu of a public high school as well as private boarding and day students.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished and strategic educational leader who is passionate about equipping the next generation for future success, and who has the flexibility and acumen to navigate the complexities of an independent town academy.
MISSION The Woodstock Academy prepares all students by providing diverse opportunities through a rigorous curriculum and a variety of programs in order to cultivate the necessary skills to become lifelong learners and global citizens.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY AT-A-GLANCE
ACADEMIC PROFILE
1,060 students in 2024-25
15% international boarding students
900 local students from 13 towns
30 countries and 6 states represented by the student body
21 languages spoken on campus
230+ course offerings
14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
92% of faculty hold advanced degrees
ACTIVITIES AND CAMPUS LIFE
40+ student clubs and honor societies
50+ athletic teams
Nationally recognized Model United Nations program
Multiple drama performances per year
9 music ensembles
Several travel opportunities available to students every year
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
99%-100% graduation rate every year
85% College matriculation rate
3% Military service after graduation
12% Trade/career path
A RICH HISTORY OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1801, The Woodstock Academy is one of the oldest schools in the United States. The key to its long history has been strong community support and an ability to adapt and change with the times.
The Woodstock Academy’s origins trace back to the early 19th century when local leaders, inspired by a 1799 Connecticut legislative act encouraging advanced education, established the school in 1801. The Woodstock Academy was among Connecticut’s first six academies, marking a commitment to educational excellence that has endured for over two centuries.
The Academy’s growth continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, adapting to challenges and expanding facilities. Landmark achievements included the designation of The Woodstock Academy as the public high school for the Town of Woodstock in 1913. Major developments in the latter half of the 20th century, such as the 1965 construction of the Bowen Building and the 1992 comprehensive campus expansion, laid a foundation for academic and extracurricular programs that emphasized inclusivity, community engagement, and innovation. In recent years, the addition of the South Campus in 2017, the establishment of the STEAM Center in 2018, and the renovation of the Academy Building in 2024 have positioned The Woodstock Academy as a leading day and boarding school, committed to preparing students for the future through a rigorous academic curriculum and advanced learning spaces.
NOTABLE STRENGTHS OF THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY
A community that values diverse perspectives and fosters an environment that ensures all students have equal access to outstanding educational opportunities.
A residential community housing students from across the world and the United States. Twenty-five families live on campus and serve as dorm parents alongside boarding students.
Commitment to creating global citizens: in addition to fostering a diverse student body on campus, each year The Woodstock Academy offers multiple opportunities for students to travel internationally and participate in cultural exchanges. Recently students have traveled to Spain, Peru, Italy, Senegal, Greece, Germany, and Switzerland.
A diverse and substantial athletic operation including a nationally recognized soccer program.
A dedicated and expert collection of educators with high retention rates.
A strong community of alumni, students, and families who proudly interweave The Woodstock Academy into their identities.
Natural resources on three campuses–the main campus in the heart of Woodstock, the South Campus (an entire small college campus purchased in 2017) and the athletic campus between the two.
Innovative programs that provide its diverse student body with preparation for life – from elite college-bound students to students pursuing careers or military service.
Enrollment continues to expand, and the school has enjoyed recent capital campaign fundraising success.
BUSTLING ACTIVITY SET IN THE QUIET CORNER
The Woodstock Academy is nestled in the northeastern corner of Connecticut, known as The Quiet Corner, a rural area with a combined population of 20,000. The idyllic New England campus is centrally located to top U.S. universities in Boston, Providence, and New York.
The Woodstock Academy plays an integral role in the local community, providing a comprehensive academic program while being a cultural and social pillar, inviting residents onto its campus to use the Bracken Memorial Library and enjoy world-class performances at the Loos Center for the Arts. Its dedication to community involvement, partnership, and civic responsibility underscores its place as a community leader.
THE CAMPUS
The Woodstock Academy’s dual campus, multibuilding configuration on over 200 acres provides a collegiate setting. Building on a robust original academic campus, known as the North Campus, The Woodstock Academy purchased the South Campus in 2017, adding on-campus dormitories, a cultural center, an art gallery, a second dining hall, additional indoor and outdoor athletic and recreation facilities, a health center, administrative offices, and additional learning spaces. The addition of the South Campus (originally a college and then a corporate retreat campus) created space on the original North Campus for an engineering lab and maker-space workshop. The North and South campuses are approximately two miles apart. Between these campuses is the Bentley Athletic Complex, a large athletic facility.
The school has two gymnasiums, Loos Center for the Arts with a 1,000-seat auditorium, an on-campus art gallery and professional recording studio, the SPIROL STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Center, the Bracken Memorial Library, two unique dining halls, and numerous classrooms that house over 230 courses throughout the day. The campus is busy from morning until after dinner with classes, almost 40 clubs and activities, over 50 athletic offerings, tutoring and academic support opportunities. Boarding students at The Woodstock Academy live alongside dorm parents and their families in one of three residence halls on South Campus and enjoy a range of evening and weekend activities and celebrations to help students feel at home and enjoy the local community. The boarding students also enjoy their own unique dining hall for breakfast and dinner.
LOOS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Originally built in 1967 on the campus of Annhurst College, today the Loos Center for the Arts on South Campus holds a stunning one thousand-seat theater. The Loos Center is dedicated to cultivating inspiration, education, and engagement through the arts for Woodstock students and beyond. In addition to hosting performances for the school community, the Loos Center serves as home of the Performing Arts of Northeast Connecticut, a nonprofit which brings high quality, accessible and affordable professional performing arts to Northeast Connecticut and surrounding towns.
In May of 2019, a commitment of historic level by Mrs. Joan Loos was given to support The Woodstock Academy’s vision. The gift, committed in honor of her late husband, August “Gus” Loos, was a way to further honor her husband and their company while securing arts opportunities for thousands of students and community members for years to come. This generous donation allowed Loos Center for the Arts to upgrade its infrastructure, outfitting the facility with the industry’s top quality entertainment equipment. Additionally, the gift established a restricted endowment to contribute directly to programming and capital needs within the facility. Loos Center for the Arts also holds a beautiful atrium, a 1,000 sq. foot art gallery, and a 72-seat Lecture Hall, perfect for small performances, movie nights, and speeches.
THE ACADEMY BUILDING: RECENTLY REIMAGINED
Thanks to a successful capital campaign in honor of the building’s 150th anniversary, The Woodstock Academy transformed the iconic Academy Building into a modern learning environment. This seven-million-dollar renovation revitalized the building’s historical charm while equipping it for the next generation of students.
In 2023, the second phase of the renovation concluded, bringing new and restored windows, accessibility throughout the building, restroom upgrades, restoration of the central auditorium and stage, new electrical and heating systems, new AV systems, and a new metal batten seam roofing to match the original roof from 1873. The renovation of the central auditorium, the largest space in the building, created a new home for the Model United Nations program – a key element in providing students access to the innovative, inclusive environment necessary to learn and grow beyond their expectations.
Along with the generosity of many capital campaign donors, The Academy received a Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit from the State Historic Preservation Office for $1.58 million. By integrating state-of-the-art technology and contemporary learning spaces, history and modernity coexist in harmony between the Academy Building walls.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
With growth opportunities in academic programming, enrollment, and the boarding program, The Woodstock Academy looks to build on its legacy with a leader who can envision and implement sustainable strategies. Strategic priorities include developing programs that support evolving educational needs, strengthening enrollment, enhancing facilities, and expanding philanthropic support
LEADERSHIP PROFILE
The Head of School at The Woodstock Academy, as Chief Executive Officer, will embody a balance of strategic vision and community-centered leadership, guiding the school through continued growth while preserving its mission. The next Head of School will be expected to bring visionary skills, financial acumen, enrollment management expertise, and a commitment to inclusivity with the skills to communicate with diverse constituencies.
THE WOODSTOCK ACADEMY HEAD OF SCHOOL WILL BE:
The Chief Executive Officer of this complex nonprofit organization.
An accomplished leader in education with a track record of professional mentorship, building strong teams and maintaining academic excellence.
A visionary and forward-thinking strategist capable of guiding the school through its next phase of development, honoring its rich history while embracing a vision for the future.
A skilled financial steward with analytical insight and acumen prepared to oversee budgets, fundraising, enrollment, union partnerships, and investments.
A compelling communicator who fosters trust and collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and families.
A culturally aware and empathetic leader dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive community, providing all students with meaningful and accessible educational opportunities.
A warm, visible, and accessible presence -– on campus and in the community.
RESPONSIBILITY FOCUS:
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL
The next Head of School will be responsible for ensuring The Woodstock Academy’s excellence in education continues and endures while providing the financial management and direction to provide the resources to make that success possible.
Strengthening relationships across various constituencies and addressing the complexities of independent town academy dynamics.
Addressing deferred campus maintenance to ensure a safe, inspiring learning environment, quality residential domiciles and polishing areas in need of a fresh look.
Expanding the residential life program to enhance the boarding experience and increase boarding enrollment.
Enhancing financial stability through the strategic fundraising efforts of The Woodstock Academy Foundation.
Supporting faculty onboarding, training, and professional development, ensuring academic excellence.
Building the support staff as the school evolves to its next level.
Strengthening and broadening enrollment management, including day students and domestic and international boarding opportunities.
Leading the development of The Woodstock Academy’s next strategic plan.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE:
Visionary and strategic planning capabilities.
A student-centered approach to leadership.
A commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
A history of loyal service to institutions at which they have served.
Proven ability to sustain relationships with key internal and external constituencies
Effective communication and political acumen.
A macro-management approach, empowering staff and faculty while providing strategic oversight and support.
Skills as an outstanding mentor and a personal investment in the continued growth of faculty and staff.
Approachability, directness, humor, as well as an on-campus and local community presence.
QUALIFICATIONS
Significant leadership experience in education.
Strong decision-making skills, financial acumen, and strategic planning experience.
Global outlook with experience managing diverse employee groups.
Experience working with a governing board.
Proven fundraising and budget management abilities and fundraising experience; capital campaign experience preferred.
Track record of successfully identifying, mentoring, and developing new leaders to ensure continuity and long-term institutional stability.
Qualifications for Connecticut’s 093 Certification Path – read more here.
Commitment to local residency and loyal service to the school’s mission.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but candidates are encouraged to apply before December 20, 2024. To be considered, candidates should submit a statement of interest and CV to The Angeletti Group at search@theangelettigroup.com.
NOMINATIONS AND CONFIDENTIAL INQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO:
The Woodstock Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks to diversify its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, marital status, handicap, or pregnancy status.
