MAGAZINE

August 2025

As you flip through these pages, think about this: what do we want schools to give our children beyond academics? Resilience? Empathy? A sense of belonging? Small boarding schools may just hold the answer. At K12 Digest, our goal is to keep these conversations alive, because education is never static, and neither should our thinking about it be.

COVER STORY

Honoring Tradition While Pursuing Innovation

Christopher Herman, Head of School, Garden School

Christopher Herman is the Head of School at Garden School, a Nursery to Grade 12 independent college-preparatory day school in New York City. Chris writes and speaks often on topics relevant to education such as Literacy, the Arts, Technology, Innovation, and Motivation.

FEATURED SCHOOLS

New Summit Academy Costa Rica

Helping Young Minds Connect Inward and Act Outward

New Summit Academy was never part of anyone’s long-term plan. It began with a need, an idea, and a shared leap of faith. Today, it stands as a model of what’s possible when education is built on trust, collaboration, and a deep belief in human potential.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Is AI Taking Over or Joining in?

Joshua Levenson, Executive Headteacher, St. Andrew's Catholic Primary School

Joshua Levenson is an Executive Headteacher in London, leading a highly successful primary school celebrated for its exceptional performance and strong community ethos.

ADMIN PERSPECTIVE

Inspiring Young Minds through Innovative Education

Michelle Jane, Principal, Sayfol International School, Kuala Lumpur

With over 20 years of experience, and a distinguished career spanning several continents, Michelle began her journey as a Physical & Outdoor Education teacher in New Zealand before extending her horizons to England, and thereafter to Asia.

ADMIN PERSPECTIVE

A Call to Action: We Must Do Better for Our Children, Our Students

Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director, Safe and Sound Schools

Michele Gay, founder and executive director of Safe and Sound Schools, is an internationally recognized leader in comprehensive school safety.

ADMIN PERSPECTIVE

Personalized Learning, Global Citizenship: A Framework for the Modern Classroom

Nam Ngo Thanh, Vice Principal, Tập Đoàn BCONS/em>

Nam Ngo Thanh is an educational leader, innovator, and advocate for equity-driven, holistic learning. Currently serving as the school leader in Vietnam, he brings over a decade of experience in school leadership, teacher training, and educational transformation.

ACADEMIC VIEWS

Fostering Academic Excellence and Student Wellbeing

James Kemp, Deputy Head of School, Mooltripakdee International School

James Kemp is an experienced international school leader, educational consultant, and published writer. Currently the Deputy Head of School at Mooltripakdee International School in Pattaya, Thailand.

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

As VC and Federal Funding Dries up, International Edtech Markets Hold the Key

Michael E. Spencer, CEO and Founder, Global Expansion Strategies

With more than 30 years’ experience in the K-12 EdTech sector, Michael E. Spencer is CEO and Founder of Global Expansion Strategies, a Silicon Valley-based growth, advisory and investment firm that works with education companies to expand globally.