Seth Linfield will serve as the new head of school
The Highlands School, an independent school for bright students with language-based learning differences in Harford County, today announced that Seth Linfield has been engaged as the head of school. In his role, Linfield will be responsible for the overall management of The Highlands School and will provide academic leadership and strategic vision.
Linfield is in his nineteenth year of independent school leadership. He previously served as the head of The Long Trail School, Vermont’s first International Baccalaureate school.
“I could not be more honored and excited to serve The Highlands School community. I look forward to partnering with the incredible faculty to steward an outstanding academic environment and grow our reach,” said Linfield. “I am confident that we can build on the foundation and help more students reach academic and social success at The Highlands School.”
Linfield is a member of the third cohort of the Day School Leadership Training Institute in New York. He received rabbinic ordination and serves students at Dartmouth College as Rabbi and United Campus Minister. He has also been a speaker at national forums on topics ranging from academic honesty and plagiarism to independent school affordability and sustainability.
Linfield’s appointment follows a comprehensive international search led by the board of directors, faculty, staff, and parents. Bob McClelland, the board of directors’ vice president, chaired the search committee, and Dr. Jennifer Palinkas, Highlands School director of business &development, chaired the Advisory Committee. Search consultants Deirdre A. Ling and Joan Beauregard of Educators Collaborative advised the committees.
Linfield was appointed unanimously by the board of directors.
“Everyone who met Seth was inspired by his preparation and enthusiasm. Seth brings to The Highlands a rare combination of experience, qualifications, and vision. He has an enviable record of building high-quality programs that put students at the center and nurturing an engaging culture for faculty, staff, and families,” said Search Committee Chair Bob McClelland.
“As Board President and grandparent of a graduate, I am thrilled that we will partner with such a dynamic educator and seasoned executive. Seth will be a forceful advocate for our students,” said Board President Scott Evensen.
Linfield holds his JD from Stanford Law School and a BA in mathematics from New York University. He is currently a doctoral candidate at USC’s Rossier Graduate School of Education.
About The Highlands School
The Highlands School is an AIMS-accredited, EF Smart School that specializes in educating students in grades K-12 program with dyslexia, ADHD, and language-based learning differences. Founded in 1996, The Highlands School was originally located in Street, Maryland. In 2007, The Highlands School moved to a beautiful 18-acre campus in Bel Air, Maryland that was once home to the Preakness-winning racehorse Deputed Testamony.
