Welcome from Head of School
It is with joy and pride that I greet you as Calhoun’s 12th Head of School. As a product of independent school education and a lifelong educator, I have long looked to Calhoun as the standard for progressive education in New York City and on a national scale.
As our city and our world evolve in the opportunities they provide and the challenges we must face, Calhoun offers an unparalleled student-centered oasis for our children. Our mission prioritizes creativity, diversity and community, three core values that ensure we graduate empathetic, curious, driven citizens. When you walk through our doors you will be greeted by children who look you in the eye and who care about you and one another. You will meet teachers who deeply understand the needs of their students and who focus as much on their intellectual growth as the development of their character. You will experience a true urban sanctuary, filled with purpose and laughter, with children who love coming to school, and with the unexpected – several rooftop greenspaces, the opportunity to pick vegetables for use in our community kitchen, a tortoise named Leonardo, a school where athletes are as involved in musical theater and jazz and where students work with the administration to set community norms and expectations reflective of our commitment to one another.
You may have heard Calhoun described as “the school without walls,” and this is partially true. In our 81st Street building, 5th through 12th grade students co-exist and co-create in flexible spaces that reflect the adaptability and possibility inherent in a Calhoun education. From our 3’s program onward, we expect our students to take responsibility for their learning in partnership with our exceptional faculty. We teach our students to lead with empathy and awareness of their ability to positively impact their school community. We are unapologetically focused on intellectual curiosity and kindness. At Calhoun, students are seen, heard, and thrive.
We expect the above will catch your attention. If you are curious, kind and eager to raise a child focused on process, possibility and partnership, there are many ways to learn more about all we offer at Calhoun. Be prepared: we’re resolute in our commitment to educating an exceptional cohort of grounded, empathetic, whip-smart human beings. Join us.
Sincerely,
Celeste Herrera
Head of School
Biography
Celeste Herrera has been Calhoun’s Head of School since July 2024. Prior to joining Calhoun, she served as the assistant head of school at The Dalton School. During her tenure at Dalton, Celeste also held positions as the assistant head for academics, high school director, and director of college counseling. She earned a dual degree in English and anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and she holds an M.S. Ed. in psychological services from the University of Pennsylvania.