Clinton Howarth
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,” said Mr. Howarth, who will be the new head of middle and upper schools at Ridgefield Academy starting this fall.
The Ohio native said his enthusiasm for independent schools comes from being a “lifer” at the Columbus Academy, spending kindergarten through 12th grade at the school. He said his experience of friendships and opportunities there made a strong impression.
Mr. Howarth said he focuses on schools as a community, more than an academic program. “Good independent schools offer children opportunities to discover, not just pursue, but discover their interests inside and outside the classroom. … 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.”
Mr. Howarth added, “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.”
Mr. 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, D.C. He was hired by the Rivers School in 2004 as a teacher and sports coach.
In 2006 Mr. 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 125 students in sixth through eighth grade. Mr. Howarth directed the middle school advisory and leadership programs and was responsible for disciplining students, when necessary.
“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,” Mr. Howarth said.
Working with fourth and fifth graders at Ridgefield Academy will be new for Howarth, but it’s an experience he is eager for. “I see it as a great opportunity to learn.” He said he will spend a lot of time in fourth and fifth grade classrooms at Ridgefield Academy, 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.”
Ridgefield Academy head of school Jim Heus announced Mr. 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,” said Mr. Heus.
Mr. Howarth will replace Joe Perry, who is leaving Ridgefield Academy to become head of school at Derby Academy in Hingham, Mass.
Mr. 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 Ridgefield Academy, I’ve been able to explore the town. I was there around Christmastime. I loved the decorations and how festive Ridgefield was. It seems to me like the quintessential New England town. I think Ridgefield Academy will be a great place to continue to raise a family.”