Heart of Leadership: Recognition Builds Community

by John D. Fixx, Head of School

In my years leading private PreSchool through 8th Grade schools, I've observed that the most successful schools aren't necessarily the largest or most resource-rich—they're the ones where students genuinely know and care for one another. This sense of authentic community doesn't happen by accident; it requires intentional programming and a clear vision of what leadership truly means.

This philosophy lives at the core of our signature Elmore Leadership Program, which teaches students from PreSchool through Grade 8 that the smartest person in the room is actually the room itself. When we listen deeply and collaborate meaningfully, we unlock the collective intelligence of our community. Leadership becomes less about individual achievement and more about the art of drawing out the strengths in others, celebrating our differences as sources of strength rather than division.

The Power of Knowing and Being Known
Our community of approximately 200 students and 45 faculty and staff creates the ideal environment for this leadership model to flourish. Anthropologists have long recognized that 250 is roughly the optimal size for a human community where everyone can genuinely know one another—similar to a village or an army battalion. At Country School, this intentional scale means every student, teacher, and staff member has the opportunity to be truly known and to know others in return.

Just this week, I observed an 8th Grader walking to Latin class. On her brief journey up the sidewalk, she paused to greet two younger students by name, taking a moment to chat and share a smile before continuing on her way. It was a small gesture, but profoundly meaningful. In that moment, she embodied leadership in its truest form, communicating a simple but powerful message: "I see you. You matter."

Multi-Age Learning: Where Leadership Takes Root
Our Reading Buddy Program exemplifies how we cultivate leadership across grade levels. When older students settle in to read with their younger buddies, they're doing far more than helping with phonics or fluency. They're demonstrating that leadership means making others feel valued and included. Each shared story sends an unmistakable message: you belong here; you are an essential part of this community.

These cross-age partnerships are woven throughout our school day, creating natural opportunities for students to practice the leadership skills emphasized in our Elmore Leadership Program: empathetic listening, teamwork, collaboration, and appreciative inquiry. Students learn to take turns leading and supporting, discovering how to maximize the diverse talents and backgrounds of every team member.

The Elmore Legacy: A Framework for Lifelong Leadership
The Elmore Leadership Program honors the legacy of longtime trustee Robert W. Elmore, whose own leadership was characterized by deep listening, genuine teamwork, and appreciative inquiry. Through experiences from PreSchool through Grade 8, students learn that leadership manifests differently at different ages and stages.

Our five-year continuum of school-wide themes—Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self Control—guides students through progressive leadership development. A PreSchool student might begin as a quiet leader, modeling kindness for peers. By Middle School, that same student may confidently facilitate group discussions or lead a community service initiative. We recognize and celebrate all forms of leadership, understanding that each child's journey is unique.

Small Gestures, Lasting Impact
Leadership at The Country School extends far beyond formal programs and structured activities. It lives in the greeting exchanged on a sidewalk, the encouragement offered during a challenging math problem, the inclusive invitation at recess. These small, daily acts of recognition create a web of connection that binds our community together, reminding everyone that they matter, they belong, and they have something valuable to contribute.

In a world that often equates leadership with authority or achievement, we offer our students something different: the understanding that the most powerful form of leadership is helping others feel seen, valued, and capable of their own greatness.