Phillip Darrin recently joined SPIRE Academy as its first Head of School. The 2023/24 academic year will be his first full year at SPIRE and in this interview we delve into Phillip’s visionary leadership, his philosophy on fostering a balanced environment for student athletes and the synergies he envisions between academic pursuits and sports ambitions.

Q: How did you find yourself in the field of school administration? Did you always want to be Head of School?

A: From coaching baseball and leading a professional association in D.C., my entry into independent schools was spurred by my brother’s call. I began by establishing a baseball program in Connecticut. Four years later I transitioned from teacher/coach to administration, becoming a Dean. The admin field embraced me; I was willing to put in hard work behind the scenes and do whatever it took to succeed.

My brother, a Head of School in Virginia, served as a role model. Admiring his leadership, I likely wanted to follow his path. It’s remarkable that we both now hold the role of Head of School.

Q: What does a day in the life of Head of School look like?

A: As Head of School my role centers on shaping a sustainable vision for the Academy’s future. I share this vision with my team, inspiring their commitment to its realization. I guide each team member to understand and embrace their role daily. My routine involves advancing the vision while addressing present challenges through meetings and strategic decisions.

The central challenge as a Head of School is maintaining stability. People need assurance that I’ll listen and support them. Amid the daily fluctuations, I avoid getting absorbed by ups and downs. Staying positive, I keep the team motivated on our path, fostering mutual support and finding joy in our work every day.

Q: What do you do outside of work? Are there any hobbies/passion projects you have that you’d like to share?

A: I love to bike. I have ridden in a number of gravel bike races (The Rasputitsa being my favorite). My dog and I go on hikes or enjoy the lake by my house. She’s a lab who loves to swim…and fetch.

Q: What wisdom do you want to pass along to SPIRE student athletes?

A: Life is for the living. Be present in the moment. Sing in the choir. Act in a play. We complicate things by focusing on a future that is mostly out of our control. Manage the present to the best of your ability and the future will be just fine.

Q: What excites you about joining the team?

A: The timing in my professional life was right for me to make a move. It is a rare opportunity to essentially develop a school from scratch. There is so much fun in developing a progressive, student-centered approach to teaching and learning whether it be helping Dr. Reedy create an academic program that will be the envy of other schools, or helping Mr. Gavlick create a residential life program that supports our student athletes socially and emotionally.  We are on the cutting edge of the future of independent schools. I am inspired by this place every day!

Q: In this age of technology and social media, how do you ensure that students get a meaningful high school experience?

A: Relationships. Technology cannot yet replace the connection we feel when we are present with other people who are united around one another, who support one another.  We all remember that teacher, coach or other caring adult who impacted our lives or helped us forge our path. It all starts with relationships. Being human in the time of machines is a great gift…

Q: What’s a cause you support & why?

A: World Bicycle Relief because it unites a passion of mine, cycling, with friends of mine (the CEO and the Founder), and a worthy cause – bikes are freedom machines. They aren’t just for recreation. WBR provides bicycles to folks in need so that they can attend school, get a job, provide for their families and so on…WBR empowers people…what’s cooler than that?

Q: What’s your go-to album/song for the summer?

A: Zac Brown Band, Jekyll & Hyde Album, Tomorrow Never Comes

Q: What does your ideal vacation look like?

A: Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk, Maine with my wife and kids, Bennett’s cheesesteaks, salt and vinegar chips, fishing for crabs, surfing and finding sea glass.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: We are on the path to a bright, sustainable future here at SPIRE. The leadership team is working on a strategic plan that will help us achieve our lofty goals. This is a great time to be a part of the SPIRE family, and I’m just so excited for what we are about to accomplish.

You can read more about Phillip Darrin here!