That experience opened his eyes to the gaps in traditional education systems – particularly how a “universal curriculum” often overlooked children who needed something more individualized to reach their full potential. This realization inspired him to help launch an independent school dedicated to serving bright children with mild learning differences. “I learned how to take research-based interventions and apply them in high-impact classrooms” he says. The school flourished, marking two successful decades of helping students thrive.

A turning point came when Herman was asked to step into a leadership position mid-year. Though initially hesitant to leave the classroom, he soon realized his creative background in the arts and his experience with complex learners were powerful assets. “Those skills worked in tandem to make a profound impact across a school rather than just in one classroom” he shares. That moment set the stage for a leadership career that has now spanned more than twenty years. Today, as Head of Garden School in New York City, Herman continues to shape educational experiences that blend academic rigor with empathy and innovation.

Leading a Century-Old Legacy into the Future

Under Herman’s leadership, Garden School has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. He speaks about his achievements not as personal milestones but as collective victories for the entire community – faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and students alike. “In the last five years, Garden School has grown enrollment and net tuition revenue by 30%, executed an ambitious 100-point strategic plan, added new faculty and programs, renovated over 75% of our historic campus, and completed our Centennial celebration” he notes proudly.

Beyond the numbers, the school has expanded its impact far beyond the classroom. Through community engagement initiatives, partnerships, and public forums, Garden School has become a hub for advancing educational practice across New York City. “We have transformed our philanthropic activity even securing a coveted EE Ford grant, overhauled the technology our students have access to, and expanded our reach to impact thousands of parents and educators throughout the city through our Community Resource Center” Herman explains. “To be part of an institution with a 100-year legacy is really something special.”

The Future of Education: Personalized, Experiential, and Dynamic

Looking ahead, Herman envisions a transformation on the horizon for education – one that’s both bold and necessary. “After 102 years, it’s impossible not to honor our legacy” he says. “But it’s also impossible not to see the possibilities right at our fingertips.” For him, the next chapter in education revolves around personalization, strengths-based learning, and real-world engagement.

“The notion of personalizing, strengths-based education, and experiential learning that drove me into this field in the first place is about to be unleashed” he says. Garden School is already aligning itself with this evolution, exploring programs that combine traditional academic excellence with innovation. “We can still honor cherished traditions like a robust set of APs while also expanding enrichment in Engineering, Arts, and Wellness” Herman adds.

He envisions a future where learning is more dynamic and connected to the real world – one that values off-campus learning experiences as much as classroom lessons. “We’re redefining the student experience to be more experiential, more tethered to the world outside the classroom than ever before” he explains. “Rigorous learning can happen in classrooms, and it can happen in real-world settings too.”

A Message for Tomorrow’s Leaders

When asked what advice he would offer to aspiring leaders, Herman emphasizes adaptability and empathy – two qualities he believes are essential for shaping the future. “Children today are not the children of ten years ago” he says. “Very soon, the world of tomorrow will look very different from what we know right now.”

For Herman, the challenge – and opportunity – lies in reimagining education to meet these evolving needs. “We need to redefine mastery and what it means to be exceptional” he asserts. “We need to reconsider the spaces in which children learn and explore how much of an impact physical space has on the way children learn.”

Most importantly, he believes it’s time to build educational systems around children – not the other way around. “For a very long time, schools have had set programs that children fit within. I believe it is time for the entire field to begin prioritizing children and building programs around their talents, interests, and goals.”

Chris Herman’s journey – from photographer to educational leader – exemplifies what’s possible when creativity, compassion, and courage converge. As he leads Garden School into its second century, his vision remains clear: to create a learning environment that honors individuality, fosters innovation, and prepares students not just for the world – but to change it.