Chestertown, Md. – Radcliffe Creek School’s Board of Trustees announced this past week that the school has extended the contract of Head of School, Peter Thayer, through June 2025.
Thayer was appointed to an interim position in July 2022 following the departure of Meghan Bamford. The Eastern Shore-based institution, which specializes in neurodivergent students of average to above average ability, also welcomes neurotypical students who value small classes and interactive, multisensory instruction. The renowned institution hosts learners in Kindergarten through 8th grade and currently boasts a student body that commutes from nine counties across Maryland and Delaware.
Having amassed over 30 years of experience leading independent schools, Thayer previously led St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown, DE for 11 years, and the middle school of Lancaster Country Day School in Pennsylvania for 19 years before that.
“While I began my time at Radcliffe as an Interim Head, it was clear early on that I was falling in love with Radcliffe and its mission of meeting children where they are as learners,” Thayer said after the Board’s announcement of his contract extension. “Our teachers are so passionate about their work, our parents value the many ways that Radcliffe changes lives, and our kids come to school happy because they feel known, seen, and loved.”
Thayer, together with his team of teachers and administrators, has reinvigorated the school’s unique mission which places the individual student at the center of a tailored learning process. Individualized learning plans are crafted for each and every student enrolled in the school. Utilizing a strength-based approach, students receive specialized instruction in key growth areas. If a student struggles with reading, for example, they may be enrolled in a complementary class to their language arts instruction which employs multiple methodologies like Orton-Gillingham. If a student has difficulties regulating their emotions or getting along with others, they may be enrolled in the school’s social skills program.
Thayer’s leadership has been a cornerstone of rebuilding in a post-COVID era, fostering a vibrant community of parents, students, teachers and administrators working together in support of the school. With advisors like the school’s founder, Molly Judge, Thayer is working closely with the school’s Board of Trustees to establish the school’s next steps, strategic plan, and the selection of a successor.
While Thayer intends to retire at the completion of his term in 2025, he is committed to providing an important leadership bridge to the school’s future headship. The Board of Trustees will begin a national search for the school’s next leader this winter.
The school’s next community event is an open house on October 24, from 9:30AM - 11AM, for community members and prospective families. Shortly thereafter, the school is planning a Veteran’s Day ceremony on November 9.