Dan Schwartz
Partner
Head of School Search, Organizational Development, Governance
Dan’s leadership is rooted in connecting people, purpose, practice, and passion. He is adept at managing the challenges and opportunities of independent schools, including administrative searches, strategic planning, collaborative leadership, Board development, community engagement, and capital campaigns. Dan puts the needs of children at the center of his practice and has led school accreditation team site visits. He is an excellent listener and astute observer.
Within independent schools, Dan served as a Head of School at Blue Oak School in Napa CA and Baker Demonstration School in Wilmette IL. After working as a ship-fitter in a naval yard, Dan began his educational journey teaching history in public schools in Boston and Brookline, MA. Following a stint as Director of Education at the USS Constitution Museum, Dan served as Principal of the Carleton Washburne Middle School in Winnetka IL.
Dan practices leadership development. He has taught leadership courses as a founder and co-Director of the National Institute of Progressive Education and as an Adjunct Professor at National Louis University. He has served on educational organization Boards and publishes articles in educational journals. Dan has given presentations at CAIS, NAIS, ISACS, ASCD, AERA, Progressive Education Network, North Dakota Study Group, International Network of Principals’ Centers.
Dan holds a B.A. from the University of Connecticut and two M.Eds. (Lesley University and National Louis University). He is certified as a Superintendent in Illinois.
Based in Napa CA, Dan loves exploring the outdoors, woodworking, photography and traveling to visit friends, family, and grandchildren!