Woodland School Welcomes New Head of School

Woodland School, located in Portola Valley, CA, is pleased to welcome Ms. Marja Brandon as its fourth Head of School.

Ms. Brandon is nationally recognized for her visionary work in the areas of educational system improvement, reform, and innovation. Prior to joining Woodland School, Ms. Brandon served as Head of School at The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, the third oldest school for the Deaf in the country, and was Founding Head of School at Seattle Girls’ School, where she pioneered the establishment of an innovative new independent school within the highly diverse Central district of Seattle, WA.

“The Board’s unanimous decision to appoint Ms. Brandon was based on the enthusiastic endorsements of the Search Committee and members of the Woodland community,” said Board of Trustees Search Committee Chair Michelle Morcos Smith. “Ms. Brandon brings 30 years of private and public school experience as a teacher and administrator to Woodland.”

“I am so thrilled to join the Woodland community,” remarked Ms. Brandon. “The students are so
poised, articulate, and engaged. The teachers and staff are dedicated, caring, and clearly skilled. The
school is in wonderful shape and I look forward to learning more in-depth about the school and its
community.”

Ms. Brandon, earned her Master of Education degree in Counseling and Consulting Psychology at
Harvard University, following her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology/Studio Art from Wellesley College. She also was a Klingenstein Research Fellow at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

Ms. Brandon has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2010 Brotherton Community
Champion Award, the 2007 Soroptimist Making a Difference Award, the 2006 US Senators Hillary
Clinton and Maria Cantwell Women of Valor Award, the 2006 Puget Sound Business Journal
Woman of Influence Award, the 2006 BRAVA Award, and the 2004 Stanley O. McNaughton
Golden Apple Educator of the Year Award, among others. She speaks and writes frequently on
topics regarding innovation and education.

About Woodland School

Woodland School is an independent day school located just west of Stanford that offers a balanced
approach to learning in a diverse and inclusive environment for approximately 285 students in early
childhood through 8th-grade. Woodland School is committed to bringing out the best in each child
through a nurturing of both intellect and character. With rich content and an emphasis on student-
driven projects, students are empowered and encouraged to be active and engaged learners. More
information www.woodland-school.org