Parents and Head of School Define Shared Vision for 2025–26

On Friday morning, August 29, the Lotus Lounge buzzed with anticipation as more than 50 parents joined Head of School, Mr. David Frankenberg, for the first PreK–12 Parent Gathering of the school year. While organizers expected a smaller, more intimate crowd of about 20, the robust turnout reflected both curiosity and commitment. Parents listened closely, ready to hear plans for 2025–26 and to engage in conversation about how the school and families can work together to support student growth. 

Mr. Frankenberg began with a warm welcome, noting that while the academic year was only in its second week, faculty had already been working for a month, with another Late Start Day approaching on September 3. “If teachers don’t have time to reflect and collaborate, we can’t improve,” he said. “Those days allow us to refine our practice and ensure the learning your children experience is intentional and high-quality.” 

He then returned to what he described as the school’s compass: our mission. “The mission is our compass. Our job is not only to prepare students for college, but for life. Each child has unique potential that can’t be engineered—we have to create the space for them to discover who they are and the impact they want to have in the world.” 

State of the School 
Highlights included an enrollment update, reaffirming TAS’s place among the largest independent schools worldwide, with nearly 40 nationalities represented. Mr. Frankenberg introduced new faculty selected from more than 3,200 applicants and reflected on college matriculation trends, noting that while the United States remains the most common destination, families are increasingly considering a broader range of global universities. 

Priorities for the Year 
Mr. Frankenberg shared five areas of focus for 2025–26: 

• Faculty growth through evaluation and professional learning 

• K–12 curricular alignment to prevent fragmented experiences 

• Student success through expanded counseling, advisory, and a new Director of Student Success 

• Belonging and service under the guidance of a new Director of Belonging and Social Impact 

• Long-term facilities planning to create spaces that foster creativity, well-being, and collaboration 

These priorities connect directly to TAS’s Schoolwide Learning Outcomes: critical and creative thinkers, self-directed learners, collaborative communicators, well-balanced individuals, and globally minded contributors. 

Community Voices 
Throughout the morning, parents raised thoughtful questions about reducing student stress, ensuring values extend into unstructured spaces like playgrounds, balancing security with a sense of community, and creating more holistic feedback systems. 

One parent reflected with gratitude: “We are extremely thankful for TAS. Our daughter has grown so much—academically and in character. It’s clear she is becoming more independent, even if the middle school years bring new challenges. We see the school’s vision, and we’re hopeful that with continued partnership, our children will thrive.” 

Mr. Joe Gorski, the new Director of Student Success, explained his focus on building a cohesive K–12 framework so every student has what they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Mr. Rick DiSilva, Director of Belonging and Social Impact, described his role in deepening a culture that already runs through the school. “Belonging already exists at TAS—in classrooms, in hallways, in friendships. My role is to make it intentional and visible. But it can’t stop here; belonging has to travel home as well. Parents are essential partners in reinforcing the values we want our students to live every day.” 

An Essential Question 
Mr. Frankenberg closed with the essential question for the year: 
“How do we, as parents and stewards of the school’s mission and vision, use our time, talent, networks, and commitment to partner with TAS in creating an integrated educational experience that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to become the best versions of themselves?” 

Looking Ahead 
The event concluded with a lively Q&A that highlighted both challenges and opportunities. What emerged was clear: parents want to partner with the school not only on academics but on student well-being, belonging, and character development. 

This was the first in a series of Parent Gatherings that will continue throughout the year. The next session will be held on Friday September 26, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM in the MPR. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend, as these gatherings are designed to deepen dialogue, strengthen the community, and advance TAS’s mission in partnership.