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Head of School Welcome

Welcome to The Walden School!

Thank you for your interest in The Walden School. As you explore our website, you'll get a glimpse of what makes our school such a special place. Founded by Mary LeFever in 1967, The Walden School has been passionately dedicated to providing an education that nurtures every child's growth and development. Guided by the Montessori philosophy, our highly skilled and devoted teachers empower students to take ownership of their learning and become engaged, independent thinkers.

At Walden, we believe in fostering an environment where students:

Coach Bob talking to a group of students

  • Develop self-motivation through student-centered learning.

  • Explore subjects deeply according to their personal interests and passions.

  • Learn from one another through observation and collaborative engagement.

  • Embrace failure as a natural and valuable part of the learning process.

  • Practice respect, courtesy, and peaceful conflict resolution as fundamental principles of the Montessori experience.

  • Take care of themselves, others, and the environment around them

This holistic balance of academics and social-emotional learning helps our students understand our interconnectedness. We welcome each student and family to bring their unique experiences, cultures, talents, identities, and interests to our community. Through these shared relationships, our students recognize that they are part of a global community, developing an understanding and appreciation for others while learning to advocate positively for themselves and their peers.

With the Montessori philosophy at its core, The Walden School provides an educational environment where students take pride and responsibility in shaping their own educational journey. Building trust and strong partnerships between the school and family is essential to our success. When families and the school collaborate, we create an experience that is truly transformative and unlike any other.

I invite you to visit our campus and experience the dynamic, joyful learning environment our community offers.

In friendship,

 

Bob (Coach) Thomas
Head of School

Meet our Head of School

Bob “Coach” Thomas brings to Walden an extensive experience and a strong commitment to student growth and achievement. Bob began his educational career in the Philadelphia Parochial School system. After several years in Philadelphia (where he grew up), Bob moved into the independent school arena. He spent over 20 years in the classroom in schools in PA, DE, and NJ. After this experience, Bob left the classroom and moved into administration in admissions and communications. Before becoming a head of school, Bob was a director of enrollment management, financial aid, and diversity at several independent schools, including The Haverford School (PA), Princeton Day School (NJ), and the Churchill School and Center (NY). 

Headshot of head of school in gray Walden sweater

His impressive coaching track record across various sports showcases his ability to build successful programs and foster a culture of excellence. Notably, he became the second African American in NCAA history to lead a non-HBCU golf program as Head Coach of Rosemont College’s Men’s Golf Team, transforming it from unranked to first in the conference within two years. His leadership earned him the Colonial States Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award in 2012.

Bob’s coaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and continuous improvement, aligning perfectly with The Walden School's core values. His dedication to fostering inclusive student environments is evident in his achievements. He continues to inspire the Walden community, empowering students to explore, grow, and excel.