A Letter from the Board President

Dear Country Day Community, 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is with immense excitement that I announce the appointment of Nathan Washer as Country Day’s 11th Head of School, effective July 1, 2026, the 98th year of the School. 

Following a united endorsement from the Head of School Search Committee at the conclusion of a comprehensive, rigorous national search, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Nathan as our next head of school.

Nathan brings exceptional leadership experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. He currently serves as Head of School at Wichita Collegiate School, a position he has held since 2019. Prior to his work in Kansas, Nathan spent 17 years at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida, advancing through roles as teacher, Athletic Director, Head of Upper School, and Assistant Head of School. At Wichita Collegiate, a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade institution with nearly 1,000 students, Nathan led initiatives that strengthened enrollment, doubled annual giving, and facilitated and implemented long-range strategic planning. Nathan is known as a steady, relational leader who invests in people and systems alike, while remaining an accessible and visible presence within the school community.

Throughout our search, we hoped to find not just an exceptional leader, but someone who would wholeheartedly embrace the traditions and spirit that make Country Day unique while incorporating strategic innovations to further our dynamic curriculum and secure our school’s future. Nathan shares our vision, cherishes our values, and inspires confidence in the journey ahead.

Nathan’s visit to Country Day provided a glimpse into the qualities that make him such a natural fit for our community. While his visit schedule, like all finalists, did not allow for true, meaningful classroom observation time, Nathan enthusiastically accepted a suggestion to dine with middle school students rather than taking a quiet break. Later, at the end of a full two days on campus, Nathan joined members of the search committee at Freedom Field to cheer on the varsity boys soccer team. In those moments, it was clear to all of us that Nathan was one of us. His authenticity, energy, and enthusiasm for our community were palpable. When the Washers reflected on their time at Country Day, they shared that unmistakable feeling of belonging—“These are our people.” It’s a sentiment that beautifully captures the extraordinary spirit found at 300 Park Road.  

Nathan will be joined in New Orleans by his wife, Mary, an artist and owner of Mary Washer Design, an interior design firm. They are the proud parents of two adult daughters, Maryn and Macy. 

I want to extend a sincere thank you to my co-chair, Jonathan Katz ‘98, and to the entire Head of School Search Committee for their countless hours and dedication. I am also grateful to all the community members who participated in this important endeavor. It is your engagement, your love for this school, and your dreams for the future of Country Day that made this possible as we near our 100th year. 

As we approach July 2026, we will arrange opportunities for you to welcome Nathan and Mary. For today, please join me in offering a warm “Welcome Home” to the Washer family as they join us at 300 Park Road and become Cajuns4Life. 

Sincerely,
Robyn Schwarz
Chair, Board of Trustees

A Letter from the Next Head of School

Dear Country Day Community, 

I am thrilled, humbled, and honored to have been invited to serve as the next Head of School of Metairie Park Country Day. Getting to know your community through the search process has been a distinct pleasure. As I have become more immersed in the mission and culture of Country Day, it has become increasingly clear to me that this school is a special place, and I feel very fortunate to be joining this exceptional educational community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Search Committee who made my wife, Mary, and me feel so welcome over the past few weeks. The entire committee worked tirelessly on the school’s behalf. The care and due diligence they have demonstrated throughout this process leave me with no doubt that this is a community we can call home.

The warmth of the community was evident in all of my interactions. When my wife and I reflected on our finalist visit, we both smiled as we agreed, “These are our people.” It was that profound feeling that led us to want to join this community.

It is a great privilege to follow the outstanding leadership of Rob Hereford, and I look forward to the responsibility of building upon the strong foundation he has established. I also look forward to partnering with the Country Day community as we navigate the challenges facing schools in today’s educational landscape and broader society.
I am honored to work alongside this outstanding community of students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, alumni, and parents.

I hope to meet many of you over the next few months, as we plan to travel to the Crescent City at least once during this transition period. My family looks forward to our move to Metairie, where Mary and I will be delighted to become part of the Cajun community. Our two adult daughters, Maryn and Macy, are already making plans to visit and enjoy the city. We are all so excited.

Go Cajuns!

Sincerely,
Nathan Washer