Head of School Search

Announcing LJCDS' Next Head of School

Jeffrey Terwin, Ph.D., Appointed 14th Head of LJCDS

The Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce that Dr. Jeffrey Terwin will join La Jolla Country Day School as the new head of school, effective July 1, 2024. With his impressive credentials, unwavering dedication to community and forward-thinking vision, we are certain that he will be instrumental in helping us achieve our strategic goals and leading us into our centennial celebration and beyond.
Dr. Terwin is a seasoned educator with more than 20 years of experience in independent schools. In his most recent role as head of the Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, he successfully spearheaded a $10 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, reimagined the tuition assistance program to create opportunities for more diverse students, and sharpened focus on a dynamic culture of belonging for all faculty, students and families. 
As our incoming head of school, Dr. Terwin eagerly anticipates championing the master plan, building on the success of our Design and Innovation program, and forming partnerships with San Diego's vast landscape of pioneering technology, medical and cultural organizations.
Dr. Terwin and his wife, Mia, will remain in Columbus through the next academic year, while Wellington celebrates Dr. Terwin's 11 years of leadership. 
From Dr. Terwin: As I walked around the beautiful campus and met people along the way, the interest to connect and build community was everywhere. I noticed students and faculty working and tinkering together, even after school hours, giving the campus atmosphere an ambitious energy that was inspiring. I knew right away; I would love this place.
Fun facts about Dr. Terwin and his family:
  • Dr. Terwin has a doctorate in marine biology and a passion for all things coastal. 
  • His interests include hiking, basketball, non-fiction, SCUBA and live music.
  • Mia Terwin is also an educator and grew up in San Jose, California.
  • The Terwin’s have three adult children: Hannah, Cooper and Finn.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Terwin to the La Jolla Country Day School community. While we celebrate this new chapter, we also acknowledge Dr. Gary Krahn's incredible contributions to our school community and will be honoring him in the coming year for his remarkable leadership.
Sincerely,
Karen E. Deschaine
President, LJCDS Board of Trustees
Amy Glass Mischler ’91
Co-Chair, Search Committee     
Scott Cartwright
Co-Chair, Search Committee

A Letter from Dr. Terwin

Dear LJCDS Community,
I could not be more thrilled with this opportunity to join the wonderful La Jolla Country Day School community. Thank you to each person who played a role in welcoming me and helping me understand the history and priorities of Country Day. Special thanks to the search committee and the board of trustees for the added work and effort put into this very important process.

I was so impressed by the level of interest and commitment from everyone I met during my visit to campus. Whether it was excitement around the Blue Bash, the basketball playoffs, or the scintillating Matilda production, the enthusiasm and optimism were palpable. You can all take pride in the affirming and interesting school you have cultivated.
I enjoyed meeting many parents, faculty, and staff during my visit, but it was definitely my student interactions that sold me on the idea that Country Day is the perfect place for me. The students are joyful and engaged, highlighting the impact of the great teachers, the community support, and the dynamic educational model in place.
I cannot wait to get started. With plenty of transition time, I can focus on preparing my current school for its new leadership, while familiarizing myself with my new role at Country Day. A significant part of that entry will include plans to establish relationships through a series of individual meetings, coffees, and gatherings. I am eager to learn more about the Torrey approach.
I would also like to extend appreciation to Dr. Krahn for being supportive and available during this transition. I am fortunate to be stepping into a very positive school environment, and I will do everything I can to maintain that forward momentum. I love being part of a school community. It is such important and inspiring work. The future is bright for LJCDS, and I am so excited to be a part of it.
Go Torreys!
With gratitude,
Dr. Jeff Terwin
Incoming Head of School

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    “As I walked around the beautiful campus and met people along the way, the interest to connect and build community was everywhere. I noticed students and faculty working and tinkering together, even after school hours, giving the campus atmosphere an ambitious energy that was inspiring. I knew right away; I would love this place.”
    Jeffrey Terwin, Ph.D., Incoming Head of School

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Why is LJCDS looking for a new head of school?

    After nearly four decades in education, Dr. Gary Krahn announced his decision to retire from LJCDS at the end of the 2023–2024 school year.

  • Who chose the new Head of School?

    This announcement concludes an extensive international search, coordinated by the search committee and our consultants. The Board of Trustees would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the faculty, staff, families and students who participated in this months-long process, which yielded two exceptional finalists from an impressive field of global applicants.

  • How was the community involved?

    Community members had the chance to meet with the search consultants at the start of the process, communicate with the search committee and consultants during the process, and provide feedback on the finalists who were invited to visit campus.

  • What was the timeline for the search process?

    The application deadline was February 1, 2023. Finalists visited campus in spring 2023 and the new head of school was announced on Thursday, April 13. On July 1, 2024, the new head of school will join the LJCDS community.

  • Why was Dr. Terwin chosen?

    Guiding the decision to hire Dr. Terwin was a deep confidence in his ability to inspire educational vision and innovation, empower a strong leadership team, foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of the school community, and ability to serve as a thought leader to ensure LJCDS will continue to be recognized as one of the nation’s top independent schools.

  • How will a smooth transition for Dr. Terwin be ensured?

    Dr. Krahn and Dr. Terwin will meet regularly over the coming year as part of the transition process. Furthermore, Dr. Terwin will have the full support of the Board of Trustees to familiarize himself with the school’s strategic priorities. Finally, and as recommended by our search consultants, additional support will be provided by a transition committee, currently being formed. 

Communications Archive

The Search Committee

    • Scott Cartwright

      Co-Chair; Trustee

    • Amy Mischler ’91

      Co-Chair; Trustee

    • Micah Parzen, Ph.D.

      Trustee

    • Lorri Sulpizio, Ph.D.

      Trustee

    • Tony Toranto

      Vice President, Board of Trustees

    • Glen Woods ’05

      Trustee

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