Introducing C&C's Next Lower School Director: David Andrew Wood
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In a letter to the community earlier today, Dr. Patti announced: Dear C&C Families and Colleagues, I’m delighted to share that David Andrew Wood will be joining us as our next Director of Lower School, starting July 1, 2025. After an extensive search process that yielded an exceptional candidate pool, the Search Committee unanimously recommended David for this role. David’s more than 14 years of lower school leadership experience and demonstrated values align closely with City and Country’s priorities. He has a proven ability to support thoughtful program development while amplifying a school’s mission within and beyond its community. His expertise in mentoring teachers, strengthening curricula, and fostering meaningful connections with families will be invaluable at C&C in the months and years ahead. With him, David brings a deep commitment to child-centered and progressive teaching and learning. He was drawn to City and Country for our unique mission and rich history. In his cover letter, he shared: “Authentic school experiences provide time for children to learn by doing, to make mistakes, to self-correct, and to construct meaning through exploration.” This resonates beautifully with our goal of fostering confident, independent thinkers who engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Currently serving as Head of Lower School at The Town School, David has partnered with teachers to refine curricula and ensure alignment across grade levels. He also launched an Associate Teacher program to support and develop new educators, demonstrating his commitment to both teacher growth and student success. Earlier in his career, David was the Director of Lower School at Friends Select School in Philadelphia, where he guided initiatives that enriched student learning and strengthened faculty collaboration. His partnerships with institutions like the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Barnes Foundation reflect his creative approach to deepening educational experiences. A lifelong and enthusiastic learner himself, David earned a BFA in dance and voice from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He transitioned to elementary education, earning an MS.Ed. from Hunter College. His advanced studies include an Ed.M. in Independent School Administration from Columbia’s Klingenstein Center, an Executive Scholars Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern, and, most recently, a Wellness Counseling Certificate from Cornell’s College of Human Ecology. In addition to professional development conferences and workshops, David has served on multiple re-accreditation committees supporting independent schools in New York and Pennsylvania. I want to thank everyone—faculty, staff, and parents—who contributed to this search. Your input and insights were instrumental in finding such a strong leader for our school. I look forward to welcoming David this spring and to the exciting opportunities his leadership will bring to all members of our community. Warmly, Search Committee Members:
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