The Head of School of Aspen Country Day School (ACDS) will lead one of the most distinctive independent schools in the country. Rooted in the mountains of the Roaring Fork Valley and guided by the "power of three" of academics, arts, and outdoor education, the school provides an education that is rigorous, relevant, and nurturing. At ACDS, students are known, challenged, and supported as they develop confidence, resilience, character, and a lifelong love of learning. Building on the over 50-year history of excellence in early childhood, elementary, and middle school education, the next Head of School will inherit a thriving school with a strong sense of identity, an intentional community, and a clear mission. This leader's opportunity will be to preserve what makes ACDS special, while leading thoughtful evolution in service of the school's long-term aspirations.

Search process

ACDS is being assisted in this recruitment by the leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. To submit comments, nominations, or expressions of interest, please send an email with any supporting materials to the confidential email address: [email protected].

ACDS seeks employees of any race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and national or ethnic origin.

Mission

Aspen Country Day School, through its commitment to rigorous academics, creative arts, and outdoor education, ignites curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking. In an inspiring mountain setting, our nurturing community encourages students to strive for individual excellence and instills in them a lifelong love of learning, sense of purpose, and responsible citizenship. 

Aspen Country Day School serves families from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, enrolling approximately 300 students from preschool (age 2 1/2) through eighth grade. The educational program is intentionally designed to challenge and nurture students as they build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning.

A strong foundational education

Enthusiastic, engaged learning in academics, arts, and outdoor education happens every day at Aspen Country Day School. Students gradually expand their comfort zone by tackling new experiences in the classroom, in arts studios and on stage, and in the outdoors. They build a strong academic foundation in the core subject areas of math, science, humanities, and world language. They explore music, drama, and studio art in the lower school grades (preschool to fifth grade) with immersive arts experiences in middle school (sixth-eighth grade).

A landmark outdoor education curriculum completes the three-part program. In a robust model that distinguishes ACDS from its peer schools, teachers lead multiple overnight expeditions starting in kindergarten. All children participate, without parent chaperones, on trips that foster independence, create indelible memories, build outdoor skills, and give children a sense of place and connection with the natural world.

The school’s character education program stems directly from the outdoor education curriculum. On expeditions as well as on campus, students develop a deep understanding of the school’s core values of character, respect, responsibility, community, and perseverance.

An ambitious strategic plan: True to Tomorrow

In the past decade, the school has worked purposefully to document its vision and identity via two strategic planning processes (2016 & 2023). The current strategic plan, True to Tomorrow, was officially adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2023. 

Priorities for True to Tomorrow are to ensure:

• An excellent faculty and staff

• A vibrant and engaging education

• A thriving community

• A strong financial future

A capital campaign, also called True to Tomorrow, was launched in 2023 to fund these priorities. The school community has responded enthusiastically, and the campaign has currently raised $14M toward its $25M goal.