Charleston Day School

Charleston Day School

Incoming Head of School

Head of School Appointed

Judith Foley Arnstein

The Charleston Day School Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Judith Foley Arnstein as the next Head of School. Judith assumed her role on July 1, 2018.

The Search Committee was presented with outstanding candidates, and Judith stood out from the beginning, said Ellen Smith, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Arnstein has extensive experience in enrollment management and marketing, and she clearly has a deep appreciation for independent school education and the K-8 model in particular.

“From the moment we met Judith, we could see her enthusiasm and love for education,” Smith said. Read the Head of School Announcement – October 18, 2017

I am happiest when I am working on behalf of and in the midst of students – their energy and passion for learning brings out the best in every adult.

— Judith Arnstein

In a letter to the Search Committee, Arnstein said that during her visit to Charleston Day she noticed how connected the faculty members were with the students.

“I watched master teachers gently guide and inspire students. I met parents who fiercely believe in and support the mission of the School,” she said. “And I listened to trustees and other School supporters lay out plans and hopes to move the School to the next level. I left Charleston knowing that CDS is a place where magic happens, and I am profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to be part of that process.”

The Search Committee, with the leadership of Betsy Cahill and David Maybank, was key to finding the best person for Charleston Day School. The engagement of our faculty, administrators, parents, supporters and alumni contributed to its success. We are grateful to Tom and Ann Reid for their leadership and commitment to Charleston Day School in this important interim year.

Judith’s passion for our mission, vision and culture is palpable, and we look forward to this next chapter of fostering scholarship, integrity, respect and responsibility in our students at Charleston Day School.

Biography

Education

Judith holds a B.S. in Finance and Economics from Miami University of Ohio and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Experience

After a career in investment banking in Chicago and New York, Judith was drawn into the independent school world by her own family’s experience and switched to a career in independent school administration and leadership beginning at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC. Currently, Judith is the Director of Enrollment, Marketing and Financial Aid at Lake Forest Country Day School, a PK2-8 school outside of Chicago that is similar to Charleston Day School in size and mission.

The Search Committee was impressed both by Judith’s accomplishments and by her warmth and passion. Judith’s experience in strategic planning, finance, and marketing, coupled with her enthusiasm for K-8 education, will prove to be assets to Charleston Day School.

Family

Judith will be moving to Charleston with her husband, Peter, an executive coach and former investment banker. Judith and Peter have three children, Ben, Joe and Mary Alice, who live in California and Illinois. Their bearded collie, Charlotte, will also join them in Charleston.

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