Clinton Howarth Joins Ridgefield Academy

Clinton Howarth always knew he wanted to work at an independent school. “I’m one of those rare people who is doing what he set out to do a really long time ago,” he says. Howarth, who will be the new Head of Middle and Upper Schools at Ridgefield Academy starting this fall, is quick to confess where his enthusiasm for independent schools comes from. The Ohio native was a “lifer” at the Columbus Academy, spending grades K – 12 at the school, and his experiences of friendships and opportunities there made a strong impression.

Howarth will bring to RA a vision of an independent school as a vibrant community. “Good independent schools offer children opportunities to discover, not just pursue, but discover their interests inside the and outside the classroom.” But, adds Howarth, it’s not enough to promote strong academics and a broad program. “I believe in the community of an independent school, and I believe that it is the community that supports the students, not just individual teachers and staff.”

Ridgefield Academy appealed to Howarth immediately. “From my first visit, it felt like a comfortable place. It’s a school that values students as future citizens of the world and supports them in their growth as human beings.”

Howarth studied English at Kenyon College and matriculated to Boston College where he earned a master’s degree in education. He spent two years working in press relations with New Media Strategies, a firm in Washington, DC. He was hired by the Rivers School in 2004 as a teacher and a sports coach.

In 2006 Howarth was named Middle School Dean of Students at the Rivers School. In that position he oversaw the emotional and social well-being of the one hundred twenty five kids in grades 6 – 8. Howarth directed the middle school advisory and leadership programs and was responsible for disciplining students, when necessary. Says Howarth, “A lot of my time is spent talking to students about the choices they are making and helping them understand their roles and supporting them in becoming their best selves in the larger community.”

Working with fourth and fifth graders at RA will be new for Howarth, but it’s an experience he is eager for. “I see it as a great opportunity to learn.” He says he will spend a lot of time in fourth and fifth grade classrooms at RA, getting to know those age groups and grade levels. “That’s the easy part. I love to be in classrooms working with children. You don’t get into this business if you don’t enjoy opportunities to throw yourself in with a group of children and learn with them.”

RA Head of School Jim Heus announced Howarth’s appointment in January. “Clinton impressed many of us as a leader who cares deeply about children and understands the experience of being a young adolescent from many different perspectives. He is willing to partner with teachers to examine and enhance every aspect of our Middle and Upper School. The search committee reached full consensus that Clinton was the best candidate to take our school to the next level,” says Heus. Howarth will replace Joe Perry, who is leaving RA to become Head of School at Derby Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Clinton Howarth is married to Danielle Howarth, who does internal leadership consulting for Hewlett Packard. The couple has two children -- one will be in kindergarten in the fall and the other will be starting preschool – and are expecting another baby. Together the Howarth family is looking forward to their new life in Ridgefield. “In my visits to RA I’ve been able to explore the town. I was there around Christmas time. I loved the decorations and how festive Ridgefield was. It seems to me like the quintessential New England town. I think RA will be a great place to continue to raise a family.”