Board of Directors Announces Next Head of School

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce that the Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Chris Schneider to serve as the fifth Head of School of The Country Day School, effective July 1, 2027.

 

The Board undertook a comprehensive search process, supported by executive search firm Odgers and a seven-member Search Committee. The search attracted an exceptionally strong and diverse pool of candidates from across Canada and internationally. I would like to thank the many members of our community who participated throughout the process. The perspectives shared by employees, families, alumni, and other key stakeholders played an important role in shaping the search criteria and informing the Search Committee's deliberations as it identified the qualities, experience and leadership attributes most important to guide CDS into its next chapter. 

 

Mr. Schneider currently serves as Director of Senior School at Pickering College, a fellow CAIS school and valued neighbour in York Region. Over the past seven years, he has built strong, collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and parents, while serving as a key member of Pickering’s Senior Leadership and Risk Management Teams.

 

Under Chris’s leadership, Pickering’s Senior School has experienced growth in student enrolment, supported by an increase in faculty to meet the needs of the school community. Throughout this, he has intentionally cultivated a culture that reflects Pickering College's mission and values, ensuring that community and student experience remain at the forefront. His proven ability to lead thoughtful, mission-driven growth positions him well to continue to guide CDS with vision, purpose, and confidence. 

 

Prior to his role at Pickering College, Chris spent 17 years making significant contributions at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) in Calgary, first in the classroom teaching IB economics, social studies and international relations, then as Director of Mentorship, where he built a comprehensive teacher mentorship program before being appointed Assistant Principal and serving on the Senior Leadership and Academic Leadership Teams. 

 

Having served in senior leadership roles at both Pickering College and STS, two exceptional K-12 co-educational independent schools that also place a strong emphasis on community and the individualized student experience, Chris brings a deep understanding of the values that define CDS. The Search Committee was particularly impressed by his genuine alignment with our mission and his commitment to ensuring every student is supported, known and inspired throughout their journey in Junior, Middle and Senior School. Complementing this values-based approach is a breadth and depth of independent school leadership experience that will benefit and enrich the entire CDS community. 

 

Chris has spent his career thoughtfully preparing for the opportunity to lead an independent school like CDS. In addition to his leadership experience, Chris holds three university degrees, including a Master of Arts in Political Economy, Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, and is a graduate of the CAIS Next Step Program for Educational Leadership. 

 

Throughout his leadership at STS and Pickering College, Chris has played a pivotal role in the development and execution of numerous strategic initiatives with lasting impact. These include launching a flagship Global Scholar Diploma at STS and leading the evaluation and curricular integration of the Global Leadership Program at Pickering that empowers students to become agents of positive change; contributing to a successful $27 million capital campaign and building construction; establishing Circle of Care and Guidance Teams to provide comprehensive support for exceptional and at-risk learners, university counselling, and government reporting and inspections; strengthening individualized student development planning in partnership with learning strategists, faculty, and families; and helping lead major marketing, website redevelopment, admissions, and enrolment initiatives. Across each of these accomplishments, Chris has earned a reputation as a collaborative leader who builds strong partnerships across the school community to advance strategic priorities. 

 

Announcing Chris’s appointment a year in advance provides a valuable opportunity for a thoughtful and collaborative transition. While Chris will continue to serve as Director of Senior School at Pickering College throughout the 2026–2027 school year, he will work closely with John Liggett, the Board, and the Leadership Team, while participating in select CDS events to become more familiar with our school, our culture, and our community. This intentional transition period will allow Chris to deepen his understanding of all aspects of CDS and support a seamless succession process, ensuring continuity and momentum. 

“I have admired The Country Day School for many years, and to be chosen as its next Head is an honour and responsibility I will carry with great care. What drew me here - the warmth of this community, the depth of its mission, and the commitment to knowing every student - is exactly what I intend to protect and build upon. I am deeply grateful and cannot wait to get to work alongside the CDS community.”
- Chris Schneider

 

I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to all the members of the Board of Directors and especially to the members of the Search Committee, chaired by Jamie Wakeam, for the care, discretion, and countless hours they invested in this important process over the past several months. Their thoughtful deliberation, diverse perspectives, and steadfast commitment ensured a process grounded in integrity and focused on the long-term success of The Country Day School. 

 

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Chris Schneider to The Country Day School.

 

Warm regards,

 

Tina Mithra
Chair, Board of Directors
The Country Day School