"I am truly honored to lead Barrie School. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I sensed a school community devoted to learning, the belief that all belong, and authentic care for each other and the world around us. Barrie truly understands what forward-thinking schools should pursue."
- Ben Thrash
Welcome! And congratulations; you’ve found a truly remarkable school!
I am proud to begin my tenure as the new Head of School at Barrie School starting July 1, 2024.
Finding a best fit school for your child and your family is an endeavor of love. During my leadership search, I too had high expectations in seeking a school that shared my professional values and parental hopes. With nearly three decades of experience as a constructivist teacher, learning leader, and educational thinker, I have come to understand what forward thinking schools should prioritize so that students are ready for the world they will enter. I also know how rare it is for schools to chart this course. But at Barrie School, I found such a bold and exciting school!
Here I have found a school that understands that one size does not fit all, that individuals learn in different ways, and that knowing oneself as a learner requires both commitment and practice. This is the work of our progressive school - to challenge and to support all learners. For more than 90 years, Barrie School has safeguarded a diverse learning community so that our students can be themselves and embrace others. From our Montessori foundations to our experiential upper school, this is the through line of the Barrie School experience. And all of this takes place on our beautiful 46-acre campus nestled in nature, in close proximity to the nation’s capital, with our experienced and creative faculty and our learner-centered curriculum. The possibilities are endless!
I am truly honored to lead Barrie School. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I sensed a school community devoted to learning, the belief that all belong, and authentic care for each other and the world around us. This is who we are, and in the years to come, we will build an even stronger educational experience for your kids by proving what's possible when innovation, belonging, student voice, excellence, and active learning are centered in a Barrie School education.
My family and I are thrilled to join this special community. I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Ben Thrash