Roots and Wings- Voices of Independent Schools

Episode 008: Citizenship and Developing Student Agency

Featuring Jonathan Shulman, Director, Center for Excellence in Citizenship, AP Government & AP World History Educator, La Jolla Country Day School

Featuring Dan Norland, J.D., Center for Excellence in Citizenship, History Educator, Humanities Department, La Jolla Country Day School

What does it mean to be an involved citizen in the world around you? How do students learn about ethics, conflict, resolution and governance? From mock trial to human libraries to model united nations to social justice, the Center for Excellence in Citizenship at La Jolla Country Day School is defining new ground. Students have the opportunity to engage with the world around them in learning spaces that include courtrooms, stages and studios. They work with people who are practitioners in areas such as social justice and political leadership.

Episode 007: Design and Innovation: Asking the Right Questions

Featuring Matt Abbondanzio, Assistant Head of School, Center for Excellence in Design and Innovation.

Design is a way of thinking—a method of distilling something down to its essence in order to remake it as simple as it should be. Good design intentionally relates to its context and responds to all potential points of view. Design is often associated with aesthetics, how something looks. Although important on one level, it captures a small portion of design. Good design relates and provides value to anyone who interacts with it. This is the standard to which we hold students in the Innovation Lab. Our students reach these goals by learning to develop their perspective through unique lenses.

How do we take students beyond STEM and STEAM into the world of inquiry and ethnography? The Center for Excellence in Design and Innovation at La Jolla Country Day School does just that. Whether through inroads into entrepreneurship or developing new technologies, this is a program that pushes the envelope for 21st century learning.

Episode 006: The Role of the Board of Trustees and the History of La Jolla Country Day School

Featuring Chris Richey, Chair, Board of Trustees, La Jolla Country Day School

How does an independent school manage its governance? The Chair of the Board of Trustees, Chris Richey, shares his insights into the structure, charge and scope of the board's activities. Further, Mr. Richey shares the rich history of La Jolla Country Day School through the story of its founder, Louise Balmer, as well as his vision for the future of the school as it moves toward its centennial in 2026.

Episode 005: ISEE, Testing, and the Admissions Process

Featuring Elizabeth Mangas, Chief Experience Officer, Educational Records Bureau and Rochelle Michel, Executive Director, Independent School Entrance Exam at ERB.

Many parents have questions concerning the Independent School Entrance Exam on behalf of their children. In this episode, topics such as test preparation, the weight of testing in the admission process, the people behind the testing and how the ISEE is used to evaluate an applicant's readiness are explored.

Episode 004: An Investment for a Lifetime: Early Childhood and Lower School Admission

Featuring Payton Hobbs, Associate Director of Admission, La Jolla Country Day School, former Lower School Head, Ravenscroft School

As an early childhood an lower school educator, Payton Hobbs brings enthusiasm and passion for the importance of the independent school experience for our youngest children. Formerly the Head of Lower School at Ravenscroft School in North Carolina, Payton reflects upon the value of the independent school admission process in assisting families with learning more about their child's journey as a student/learner. Establishing a love of learning from the outset is integral to laying the best possible foundation in a child's life.

Episode 003: Data and Fit: the Head and Heart of Admissions

Featuring – Geordie Mitchell, Director of Enrollment Management and Director of Strategic Initiatives, Buckingham, Browne and Nichols

In his current role as Director of Enrollment Management at Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, MA., Geordie Mitchell has been a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops around the country and the world on various aspects of enrollment management. Mr. Mitchell reflects upon the future of independent school education and the process needed for schools to make strategic, data-driven decisions. He brings humor, insight and clarity to the topic of enrollment management. Data, coupled with compassion, make the difference.

Episode 002: Leading an Independent School in the 21st Century

Featuring – Gary Krahn, Ph.D., Head of School, La Jolla Country Day School

Dr. Gary Krahn shares the latest in education around the world and his vision for La Jolla Country Day School. From innovations in technology to questions about human dignity to the latest thinking about the college counseling process, Dr. Krahn is always examining new ideas. His enthusiasm for learning and his passion for the development of Pre-K through Grades 1–12 education are infectious.

Episode 001: Behind the Curtain: Insights into the Independent School Admission Process

Featuring – Brian Murphy, Director of Financial Assistance and Enrollment Management, La Jolla Country Day School

Many parents wish they could "see behind the curtain" of the admission process. Admission professionals truly place enormous care and thought into the decision process when considering applicants. National Association of Independent Schools has developed a series of questions for parents who are exploring private school on behalf of their children. This episode takes parents through the admission process and provides an insider's view through the lens of seasoned admissions professionals.