Nantucket Lighthouse School Announces New Head of School Effective July 1, 2023

Dear Nantucket Lighthouse School Community,

It is with enthusiasm and excitement that we share with you that the Board of Trustees has appointed Emily L. Miller as the Nantucket Lighthouse School’s next Head of School. While Emily will start as Head of School on July 1st, she will begin working with Interim Head of School Chad Small on the transition and plans for the 2023-24 school year.

Emily brings more than 30 years of experience as a school leader–Division Head at Brimmer and May (Chestnut Hill, MA) and the New School (Nantucket, MA), learning specialist, teacher, and Head of School–and as many of you know, she is extremely familiar with Nantucket Lighthouse School having served as Head of School for seven years from 2012 to 2019. During her previous tenure leading the NLS, Emily recruited and developed highly effective teaching faculty, increased professional development, collaborated to with faculty and staff to encourage growth and innovation, actively participated in the school’s admissions process to attract new students and families, successfully raised funds to support both the annual operating budget and campus improvements, and carefully managed the operating budget to achieve financial stability for the school.

Emily grew up on Nantucket and received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Specialization from Lesley University after graduating with a B.A. in Sociology Magna Cum Laude from Boston University. More recently, Emily also earned a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She also has pursued extensive professional development in literacy and curriculum development; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; leadership and governance; and social-emotional learning.

We strongly believe that Emily is the talented school leader who will strengthen and nurture Nantucket Lighthouse School’s integrated, project-based curriculum, while preserving its founding ideals, mission, and philosophy.

“I am delighted to return to Nantucket Lighthouse School and its vibrant community. Having previously served as Lighthouse’s Head of School for seven years, I am not only familiar with its curriculum, rich traditions, and philosophy, but I am deeply connected to its authentic, whole-child approach. While visiting the School earlier this month, I was reminded of the magic that takes place under its roof each day, especially the joy and engagement of its students and the commitment and kind approach of its teachers. This was palpable as I journeyed between classrooms and met with various members of the community.” - Emily Miller

About the Search

The Head of School Search Committee began the process of seeking the next permanent Head of School in November 2022. The search process attracted over fifty candidates from across the country and even internationally. We want to thank the Search Committee members for their professionalism and dedicated efforts with reviewing candidates’ applications, interviewing the four semi-finalist candidates, and making a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

Please join us in welcoming Emily Miller as she begins to transition into her role as Head of School in the upcoming weeks.

With gratitude and excitement for the future,

Charity Grace Mofsen

Chair, NLS Board of Trustees

Scott Nelson

Vice-Chair, NLS Board of Trustees