![[students gather by the playground]](/uploaded/new_site_buildout/section-heroes/About-Us.png)
About Us
Our Mission
The Phillips Brooks School community inspires students to love learning, to develop a spiritual nature, to communicate effectively, to be kind to others, and to respect the uniqueness of each person.
Our Five Promises
- Live our compelling mission and core values every day
- Deliver a challenging and collaborative curriculum
- Hire and develop inspiring teachers whose expertise and growth mindsets ensure a high-quality classroom experience
- Embrace a child-centered philosophy; get to know and love each student
- Build authentic partnerships with families
Our Core Values
Courage
We value strength of character and the integrity to do what is right in spite of the risk of fear or discomfort.
Community
We value ourselves as responsible members of both our local and global communities and in doing so demonstrate a deeper understanding and compassion for others.
Kindness
We value empathy and respect for self and others through honest and effective communication.
Love of Learning
We value learning as a lifelong process, driven by intrinsic motivation and focused on process rather than product.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
PBS puts a high priority on this important topic. In 2018, the Board of Trustees initiated an intensive, multi-year study to identify strategies that the school could employ to ensure we are continually evolving on this front and pushing ourselves to learn and to grow, both for our students’ sake and for the sake of our greater community.
The Board Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (mission statement below) continues its work to date, and their efforts are augmented by the appointment of a faculty Coordinator focused on this topic, as well as a partner group composed of volunteers from our parent association.
Mission Statement of the Board Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
PBS is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community that is safe and welcoming for all. We also strive to build and support an environment in which each child can become a confident, respectful, and compassionate individual by accepting and valuing the uniqueness of self and others.
PBS respects, affirms, and protects the dignity and worth of each member of our community. PBS values the representation and full engagement of individuals within our community whose differences include – but are not limited to – age, ethnicity, family makeup, gender identity and expression, learning ability, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any characteristics that contribute to each individual’s full identity.
A diverse student population enhances the educational experience for all of our children. When learning with a diverse group of peers, our students become deeper thinkers, better learners, compassionate citizens, who are able to thrive in a multicultural, global community.
Our History
Phillips Brooks School was established in 1978 at its current campus on Avy Avenue. Jack Towner, our founding Head of School, led our independent incorporation as a non-sectarian school through a transition away from our association with Trinity School, Menlo Park.
In 1982, Elizabeth (Bitsie) Root became Head of School and led PBS until her retirement in 1997. During Bitsie’s tenure, PBS grew to a school of over 200 students in grades pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade, one class per grade. The school adhered to its Episcopalian roots and followed a traditional academic program. In the mid-1990s, the school increased enrollment in preschool through 5th grade and phased out 6th grade.
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 PBS, the academic program morphed from traditional to progressive with the Early Learning Center’s transition to a program inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. The spiritual practices in Chapel became more inclusive of the many faiths represented on campus. Beth created the Associate Head of School position, which was held by Clair Ward from 2000 until 2008.
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 and Sanford School in Wilmington, Del. 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. Scott came from the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., where he served as the director of the middle school. During his first year, Scott led PBS through a strategic planning process and successful accreditation, setting the stage for a transformative 5-year Strategic Plan. His legacy includes a steadfast commitment to attracting and retaining top-tier faculty and staff. After 13 dedicated years, Scott announced that he would conclude his tenure at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
In 2023, the Board of Trustees appointed Diane Rosenberg as Interim Head of School for the 2024-2025 academic year. A natural choice for the role, Diane has enjoyed a long, collaborative connection with PBS, having served as Head of School at Nueva from 2001 to 2020 and as a PBS Trustee from 2022 to 2024. Her goal as Interim Head is to serve as a bridge between Scott Erickson’s impactful tenure and the exciting future awaiting PBS under its 6th permanent Head of School.
In October 2024, the Board of Trustees appointed Jennifer Bohnen as the sixth permanent Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Jennifer brings over 25 years of elementary and early childhood education and experience and has an outstanding track record of achievement as a classroom educator, school administrator, and leader. Jennifer currently serves as the Head of School at the Green Hedges School, a Preschool-Grade 8 day school in Vienna, Virginia.