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Head of School Welcome

Welcome to The Walden School!

Thank you for your interest in Walden. As you explore our website, you’ll discover why our community has been dedicated since Mary LeFever’s founding in 1967 to nurturing each child’s natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. Rooted in Montessori principles and now advancing as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Candidate School, Walden offers a uniquely integrated environment where students grow as confident, compassionate global citizens.

Coach Bob talking to a group of students

At Walden, we believe students thrive when they:

  • Take ownership of learning through student-centered, inquiry-driven experiences

  • Pursue deep investigation of subjects that align with their interests and passions

  • Collaborate across ages, learning from and supporting one another

  • View mistakes as essential steps toward understanding and innovation

  • Practice respect, courtesy, and peaceful conflict resolution as core community values

  • Care for themselves, their peers, and the world around them

This holistic approach, blending Montessori and IB PYP frameworks, ensures that every child develops academic skills and social-emotional resilience. We welcome families to bring their unique backgrounds, talents, and perspectives into our community, forging partnerships that enrich learning and cultivate mutual trust.

I invite you to experience Walden’s dynamic classrooms, joyful playgrounds, and warm community firsthand. Visit our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and see how we guide students to become lifelong learners and thoughtful contributors to a changing world.

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.