About MA

Greetings!

As Marin Academy invites new students to join the school as members of the Class of 2012, I find myself reflecting on my year as Interim Head and looking forward to the arrival of Travis Brownley as the new Head. I am excited by both views.

Fundamental to any strong, successful school is its commitment to a mission statement that informs its entire approach to teaching and learning. MA lives its mission from its concentration on asking "every individual to think, question, and create" to its desire that each person "accept the responsibilities posed by education in a democratic society." Part of MA's dynamism is shown through the multiple ways that its students and teachers reach out to a broader community - locally, nationally, and globally - to find ways to apply the lessons of a liberal arts education.

In my first speech last fall, I asked parents to write down their reasons for appreciating an MA education for their children. Two comments stood out:

"MA truly understands the needs, foibles and potential of the adolescent - plus the relationship between the adolescent and parent - all with great respect and humor."

"I love the warm and welcoming nature of MA. The way diversity is encouraged and accepted. I am always impressed with the maturity of the students. As a parent, I appreciate the professional manner in which the school is run. MA should never change its dynamic spirit."

I enjoy pondering the loving, perceptive comments of these two parents who understand the essence of an exciting, challenging high school education. Students love to go here, appreciate their teachers, and find friends for life. Even more impressive, MA students understand and act upon the proposition that there are causes and opportunities larger than self in this world.

Meeting with a group of seniors recently, I found many of them curious about the class that was in the process of replacing them at MA. What they conveyed to me was their pride in their own contributions to the MA culture of kindness and consideration and their positive feelings that MA would always be a favorite place - a formative experience in their intellectual, social, and service lives.

I know that the new class as well as the graduating one will share a bond over their association with Marin Academy. As we welcome the unbridled enthusiasm of new members of the community, we salute those who have provided so many accomplishments and so much spirit in their four years.

Congratulations to all!

Dick Drew
Interim Head of School