With joy and optimism, we write to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Erickson as Interim Head of School for the 2024-25 academic year. Scott brings to IMS more than 25 years of experience as an educator and leader in independent day and boarding schools across the Pre-K through grade twelve spectrum, including 13 years as a head of school. We are fortunate to welcome someone of Scott’s caliber to IMS as we build on Jody Reilly Soja’s legacy and plan for future generations of Falcons. 

“I am excited to join the joyful IMS community this summer! Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Interim Head of School. I have enjoyed getting to know many community members during the search process and look forward to collaborating with all of you in the coming year.”

Dr. Scott Erickson

Most recently, Scott has been the Head of School at Phillips Brooks School, a co-educational Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5 school in Menlo Park, California. Prior to his 13-year headship at PBS, Scott served as middle school division head and director of studies at National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., and as a department head, faculty member, and dorm parent at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. During his headship at PBS, Scott led the school through two strategic plans, which addressed complex challenges like faculty recruitment and compensation, long-term campus viability, community engagement, and curricular alignment across grade levels. 

The Head of School Search Committee and IMS Board of Trustees believe Scott is the right leader for this critical transition year for several key reasons: 

  • Scott is a solutionary leader, educator, and communicator with proven ability to unite communities, manage organizational complexity, and elevate programs according to strategic priorities. 
  • His professional standards and personal values align with the values and aspirations of the IMS community, most notably the relationship between joy and excellence. 
  • Scott’s experience at top tier schools throughout the country spans the breadth of the IMS student age range from our youngest in Pre-K to our graduating ninth graders, as well as the rigor and boarding experience of the secondary schools to which IMS students matriculate. 
  • His demonstrated ability to lead and develop administrators and faculty through compassionate support, resourcefulness, and integrated interdisciplinary processes will work to advance IMS’s people and programs. 

The Search Committee and Board are confident that Scott will further IMS’s momentum, build bridges in this important time of transition, and deepen IMS’s mission to inspire the courage to climb, the joy to create, the passion to learn, and the spirit to contribute in kind and meaningful ways. Scott’s love for children and belief in the value of independent schools are evident the moment you meet him.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Scott Erickson to the IMS community!

Visit our Head of School Search Page