The New School in Kennebunk Announces Appointment of Will Tuttle as Head of School
The New School is proud to announce the appointment of Will Tuttle as its next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. A seasoned educator and leader in progressive education, Tuttle brings nearly two decades of experience in independent schools, where he has been widely recognized for his commitment to student-centered learning, ethical leadership, and innovative academic programming.
Tuttle joins The New School at a time of momentum and renewed vision. With his leadership, the school will continue to deepen its mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and authentic engagement with the world.
Throughout his career, Tuttle has held a wide range of academic, leadership, and residential life roles in independent schools across New England. Most recently, he served at Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine, supporting both academic technology and residential life. Prior to that, he served at Cheverus High School in Portland as Director of Alumni Relations and Head Coach of the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team, where he successfully led community initiatives while mentoring student-athletes to personal and competitive success.
Tuttle also spent over a decade at The Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts, where he taught history, coached multiple sports, and served as a dormitory head. There, he was known as a thoughtful educator and mentor, committed to academic integrity, student leadership, and holistic development. His work in residential life included character education programs, faculty training, and strategic student life planning.
His appointment marks a powerful alignment with The New School’s core values: experiential learning, student voice, interdisciplinary curriculum, and a commitment to social justice. Tuttle is a passionate advocate for project-based learning and authentic assessment, and he brings a track record of building inclusive and purpose-driven learning communities.
“I am honored and excited to lead The New School into its next chapter,” said Tuttle. “This is a school that understands how education can transform lives — where curiosity is celebrated, community is cultivated, and students are empowered to make meaning in the world around them. I look forward to building on this strong foundation in partnership with faculty, families, students, and trustees.”
About Will Tuttle
Will Tuttle is an independent school leader, coach, and educator with nearly 20 years of experience guiding students toward academic inquiry, personal growth, and ethical leadership. He is a graduate of Kennebunk High School and Phillips Exeter Academy and Nazareth University, where he earned a B.A. in History and competed in the NCAA Division III lacrosse national championship.
Tuttle has taught a wide range of subjects — including history, English, and interdisciplinary studies — and his pedagogy is rooted in relationship-based learning, relevance, and real-world connection. He has presented on topics including residential life, character education, and student development at regional and national gatherings, and is known for his ability to balance innovation with academic rigor.
As a coach, Tuttle has led successful programs in lacrosse, football, and hockey, guiding student-athletes to reach their potential both on and off the field. His most recent varsity girls lacrosse team at Cheverus High School advanced to the Maine Class A playoffs and featured several All-Conference standouts.
He is also an experienced advancement and alumni professional, having coordinated major fundraising campaigns, giving initiatives, and community events. His work in this area reflects a deep understanding of storytelling, strategic engagement, and mission-driven development.
Tuttle’s leadership style is shaped by collaboration, transparency, and a firm belief in the power of a school to serve as a model for democratic values and social impact.
He lives in Southern Maine with his wife Courtney, a proud alumna of The New School (Class of 2004), and their two children: Liam (11) and Hazel (7). For the Tuttle family, this appointment represents both a professional calling and a personal homecoming. They are excited to join — and rejoin — the vibrant, values-driven community that defines The New School.
