Archer Names Visionary Leader as Next Head of School

12/17/2007

Los Angeles, CA -- The Archer School for Girls Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that after a six-month national search, Elizabeth English has been appointed Archer's new Head of School effective July 1, 2008.
 

After ten years of exceptional leadership by former Head of School Arlene Hogan, the Board sought to find a visionary who would lead Archer successfully through its second decade and beyond. "It was important for us to find someone whose style and vision matched the unique mission of Archer - to teach girls in the ways they learn best," said Search Committee Head Suzanne Todd. "We feel that Elizabeth's experience and her dedication to single-sex education will solidify Archer as a leader in girls' education."
 

In Elizabeth's leadership roles at Emma Willard School, Sturgis Charter School (an International Baccalaureate school) and the Atlanta Girls' School, she has demonstrated a passionate commitment to girls' education, a collaborative, yet decisive leadership style, and a commitment to building school communities that foster the growth and development of students and teachers alike.
 

In her statement of philosophy, Elizabeth wrote, "As a school leader, the most important thing I do every day is to be a positive presence in the lives of students and colleagues. By staying connected I gain insight into which policies and practices are serving the school well and which are not.  The end result is that people feel cared for and valued.  I believe trust is an essential ingredient in any successful school."
 

Elizabeth English has served for twenty years as an educator in both public and independent schools and is currently the Upper School Director at Atlanta Girls' School.  In addition to her dedication to girls' schools, she has a strong commitment to the promotion of research-based instructional practices and ethical school culture.  She has substantial experience with organizational change, especially with regard to the improvement of curriculum and instruction, and in building an inclusive community.  She holds a B.A. from Skidmore College, a M.A.T. from Tufts University, and an Ed.M. from Harvard University.
 

About Archer

Founded in 1995, The Archer School for Girls is an independent school that provides a rigorous college preparatory program for students in grades 6 through 12 in an environment that explores and refines the ways girls learn best.  Representing the face of Los Angeles, Archer students come from 140 different schools and 85 different zip codes. Twenty three percent of students identify themselves as students of color and 18% receive some form of financial assistance. Current enrollment is 500 students with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio.  For more information, please call 310-873-7000 or visit online at www.archer.org.
 

Contact: Christina McIntosh
Director of Communications
(310) 775-5030