Canterbury announces next Head of School

December 3, 2024

The Canterbury Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Marie Leary, Head of School at The Sage School in Foxboro, Mass., has accepted their invitation to serve as the next Head of Canterbury School succeeding David Jackson, effective July 1, 2025.

“Marie distinguished herself at each phase of the search process based on her well-established leadership experience, the endorsements she received from her current Board and faculty, and the commitment to excellence she brings to all areas of education,” said Canterbury Board of Trustees President, Todd Jacobs. “During her time on campus, Marie received overwhelmingly positive support from faculty, staff, and parents who highlighted that she possesses the leadership qualities necessary to lead all the constituencies of Canterbury, her educational vision and philosophy align with the mission and goals of our school, and she brings the experience and expertise necessary to be the Head of School at Canterbury.”

Since 2016, Marie has served as Head of School at The Sage School, a Pre-K through grade 8 school, following three years as Assistant Head of School. During this time, she established The Sage School as a premier gifted school in the region, grew enrollment, and recruited a top-tier group of faculty, student support staff, and program directors. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Academic Programs at Carrabassett Valley Academy, a grade 8–postgraduate school in Maine. She also spent six years at Barrie School in Maryland, where she taught AP Biology and was Head of Upper School. Marie’s experience includes positions as a guidance counselor and biology teacher at St. John’s College High School (DC), a chemistry teacher at Noble and Greenough School (MA), and Head Alpine Ski Coach and biology teacher at Wasatch Academy (UT). She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership and management from Antioch University New England.

Leary said she is honored to join Canterbury School as its next Head of School, and that Canterbury’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, creative expression, and character development across all grade levels inspires her.

“Throughout my career, I have prioritized building meaningful relationships, listening to the needs of the community, and fostering a shared vision that allows schools to thrive,” Leary said. “At Canterbury, I see extraordinary opportunities to create a cohesive and enriching experience for students at every stage of their educational journey—celebrating their growth from early learners to young adults prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world.”

Leary is excited to immerse herself in the life of the school, connecting with students, families, and faculty across all divisions. “Together, we will build on Canterbury’s strong foundation to ensure its mission flourishes for generations to come,” she said.