Peter Barrett
Peter is a Senior Consultant with the firm's Domestic Head of School and Key Administrator Practices, and a Coach in our Leadership Coaching Practice.
Previous Experience
Peter’s national stature in both K-8 independent education and Episcopal school education is exceptional. As Head of School at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School (Washington, D.C.) for nearly 30 years, he enjoyed widespread admiration for inspiring and forward-thinking leadership. During his tenure he significantly expanded enrollment, reconfigured academic programs, increased the school’s footprint by opening an additional campus and adding numerous buildings and outdoor spaces, and created a diverse and joyful learning community.
Prior to St. Patrick’s, Peter served as a Lower School administrator (Director of Studies) and teacher at St. Albans School (Washington, D.C.) for 14 years. He also taught Grade 5 at The Park School of Baltimore for two years. Before entering education, Peter was a newspaper reporter at The Hartford Courant.
Education & Interests
Peter received his bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity College and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education from Northwestern University. He has also completed doctoral coursework in curriculum theory and development at the University of Maryland College Park.
Peter is a current member of the Boards of Trustees at Primary Day School (MD) and Green Hedges School (VA). Peter also served most recently as Vice President/Secretary for the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Horizons Greater Washington (an affiliate of Horizons National, a public-private partnership to help combat summer learning loss for students from underserved communities). He has also been a member of the Governing Board of the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys (Washington, D.C.) and Trustee, Vice President, and President of the Association of Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools.