Welcoming Nathan Washer, Country Day's 11th Head of School

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