Head of School Transition
After serving our community as the head of school since July 1, 2020, Chris Kimberly announced his intention to move on at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
The board search committee along with search consultant, Rebecca Zug, guided our community through the search for Chris's successor with transparency, collaboration, and committment to the future of Friends.
Friends Meeting School stands poised for a bright future thanks to the collective efforts of our entire community – students, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees.
The outcome of this process reflects the dedication to our mission of nurturing curious and engaged scholars who are prepared to make a difference in the world.
What follows is a look at each stage of this leadership transition, with links to the formal announcements and communications shared with our community.
At the close of the 2025/2026 school year, Chris Kimberly will have completed his sixth and final year as Head of School.
Chris's tenure began in January of 2020 and with the successful navigation through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout his time at FMS Chris has enhanced cirriculum, built community, increased the school's commitment to DEIJ, further emphasised Quaker practices, overseen the installation of the Breiling Hall solar panels, and created multiple scholarship and endowment funds.
We invite you to join us in expressing gratitude for Chris's visionary leadership.
You can read Chris's announcement here and the Board's announcement here.
Chris Kimberly
Head of School
2020-2026
With great excitement, FMS has announced Jen Cort as the next Head of School for Friends Meeting School, beginning July 1, 2026.
Jen is a nationally recognized Quaker educator and school leader who has served independent schools in the U.S. and abroad for over three decades.
Jen has been a widely sought-after educational executive consultant, recognized for her expertise in Quaker education, leadership development, Board of Trustee training, program development, crisis navigation, social-emotional learning, advisory curricula, and diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
You can read more about Jen and her selection here and Jen's letter to the community here.
Jen Cort
Head of School
Beginning July 2026
Head of School Search Timeline
February 2025
May 2025
Finalists Begin Meeting with Community
- May 6th
- May 8th
- May 12th
- May 14th
June 2025
July 2026
Jen Cort assumes the role of FMS Head of School