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First incorporated in 1961 as Trinity Parish School, the school was founded originally as a needed adjunct to the church, namely a coeducational elementary school for the children of its parishioners in this suburban community. In September 1978, the School separated from the church, reincorporated as The Phillips Brooks School, and moved to its current campus on Avy Avenue.
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Jack Towner was the Head of School during the transition from Trinity Parish School to the Avy Avenue campus. In 1982, Elizabeth (Bitsie) Root became Head of School. Bitsie headed PBS until June 1997. During Bitsie’s tenure, PBS grew to a school of over 200 students in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, one class per grade. The School adhered to its Episcopalian roots, held chapel services and followed a traditional academic program. In the mid 1990’s, the School made the decision to increase enrollment in preschool through fifth grade and to phase out sixth grade.
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Beth Passi became the third Head of School in 1997. Beth came from The Blake School in Minnesota and brought with her a strong belief in progressive education. During her tenure at the School, the academic program morphed from traditional to progressive with the Early Learning Center’s program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. The spiritual practices in chapel, while still Christian influenced, became more inclusive of the many faiths represented on campus. Beth created the first ever Associate Head of School position, which was held by Clair Ward from 2000 until 2008.
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In 2005, Kristi A. Kerins became the fourth Head of School. With over 30 years experience in independent schools, Kristi had most recently been Head of School of Lake Forest Country Day School in Chicago, IL and Sanford School in Wilmington, DE. In Kristi’s first three years as Head of School, the Avy Avenue campus was completely rebuilt and renovated. A Task Force engaged in strategic planning and determined that the School would focus on issues regarding Program, Identity and Long Term Sustainability from 2008 through 2011.
In July 2011, Dr. Scott Erickson became the fifth Head of School. His first year here has begun well and he continues to oversee continuing and new school initiatives. To read his welcome letter, click here.
Today, The Phillips Brooks School enrolls 276 students in preschool through fifth grade. Class size ranges from 14-16 in the ELC and 18-20 in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Basic subjects are taught in self-contained classrooms, and the specialist teachers provide additional instruction in art, science, music, computer, library, Spanish and physical education.