Head of School
Meet Kirk Wheeler, Ed.D.
Dr. Kirk Wheeler has been the STS head of school since July 2005 and has been in education for nearly 40 years. Previously, he served in leadership roles at the American School of Rio de Janeiro and as lead supervisor for the summer mountain program for the Town of Vail. An educator at heart, he began his career at Vail Mountain School, and his teaching experiences includes physical education, Spanish, first through fourth grades, and middle school language arts.
Dr. Wheeler brings together emerging schools of thought, an innovative mindset, a strong sense of culture, and collaboration tools to create powerful partnerships and strategic pathways. He brings these elements together through “edgework,” a personal, professional, and organizational mindset and approach that he has developed over decades of work with schools.
Dr. Wheeler is a former member of the board of governors and the accreditation committee for the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and a founding member of the Rubicon Educational Foundation Board of Directors. He currently serves on CustomED Board of Directors. Dr. Wheeler holds a doctorate in education, with an emphasis in policy and administration, a Master of Arts with an emphasis in international education, and a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in elementary education.
As a recipient of the Klingenstein Fellowship for School Heads, Dr. Wheeler has continued to pursue his passion for developing schools and brings together emerging schools of thought, collaborative experiences, and a sense of history to create powerful partnerships for 21st century education. He is proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional leadership and teaching team at STS, which has resulted in the school being recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School and the state’s first LEED Gold certified campus. Most recently, he led the creation of the Athletics and Performing Arts Center, the Center for Leadership and Innovation, and the Center for Responsive Learning.
Head's Welcome
What do you envision for your child?
As we move boldly through the rapidly-evolving 21st century, I believe we must prepare our children for a world that does not yet exist. An excellent academic foundation is essential.
Even more so, our children will need to be able to adapt to change, think critically, communicate effectively, intimately know the world around them, maintain high ethical standards and integrity, and constantly position themselves to absorb a rapid influx of information.
It is not enough to be satisfied with our previous successes as we shape this next generation of learners and leaders. We must pursue innovations and forge new paths - and expect our students to do the same.
Each child is exceptional, and we remain committed to being a school where all students are inspired to reach their fullest potential, surrounded by a community that embraces high expectations, shared values, and a passion for learning. Underpinning our vision is the certainty that our greatest strength has been - and continues to be - our three pillars: character, curriculum, and community.
I am thrilled to welcome you to St. Thomas School. I encourage you to visit us here in Medina and experience this remarkable community of learners and leaders for yourself.
Kirk Wheeler, Ed.D.
Head of School