Announcement from the Head of School

Dear Wakefield Community, 

Following the conclusion of a national search, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Gabriel Fuchs as the next Head of the Upper School and Mrs. Keturah Maraska as the next Head of the Middle School.  These exceptional leaders have demonstrated a commitment to the lifelong learning process we seek to instill in our students and a dedication to Wakefield School, its mission, and our future.

Dr. Fuchs has served in the Upper School for the past six years as the Latin teacher, Academic Dean, and Director of Academics. He is known for his commitment to deep academic exploration in the classroom and student success in all aspects of the Upper School. Additionally, Dr. Fuchs has demonstrated an ability and willingness to develop the administrative and strategic prowess necessary for leading the Upper School into the future. The search process made evident the respect students, parents, and faculty have for Dr. Fuchs' work to date and the belief that he has a vibrant vision for our future.

Dr. Fuchs shared his own excitement about the appointment, stating, “I am so incredibly grateful to be offered the opportunity to continue to serve this school that I love in a new and increased capacity. Opportunity is a word I hope we will commit to live by in the Upper School. We have set ourselves ambitious goals to improve our program and enhance the Wakefield experience for students and their families. Pursuit of these goals will inevitably come with challenges, but every challenge will present us an opportunity: to improve, to grow, to work together in the pursuit of excellence.”

Mrs. Keturah Maraska has served in both the Lower and Middle Schools and is a highly respected, student-centered leader. Through the search process, students, parents, and faculty commented on the strategic vision Mrs. Maraska has for the Middle School. She spoke eloquently about how the Middle School should be a strong bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools, offering our students the ability to hone their academic foundation while enjoying the growing independence of adolescence. 

Mrs. Maraska shared, “I am excited to accept the opportunity to lead Wakefield’s Middle School. Working collaboratively with the dedicated faculty, I seek to enhance the program in innovative ways and establish a curriculum that challenges and embraces the Middle School student while providing an environment where students discover the excitement and empowerment of learning.”

In the coming months, we will be able to gain ground as these members of our community are already aware of so many aspects of what must come next. I am confident that the forward momentum we are experiencing will grow demonstrably under their leadership. I also recognize that, as with the external candidates, this will be their first divisional leadership position. Wakefield’s commitment to building leaders is not one that ends with our students, and I am, therefore, very excited to invest in leaders from within our own faculty. Dr. Fuchs and Mrs. Maraska will join Head of Lower School, Ms. Erin Leonard, at a National Association of Independent Schools Senior Leadership Institute (SLI) this summer in Alexandria, Virginia. This highly interactive professional development opportunity includes sessions on leadership models and inspiring shared visions for the future. I look forward to the exciting and meaningful outcomes the Divisional Heads will bring back to Wakefield School.

I’d like to thank the students, parents, faculty, and staff who aided in our search process by both attending various meetings or events and providing critical feedback to aid the selection process. I remain grateful for this community’s commitment to embodying The Wakefield Way. I know you join me in congratulating Dr. Fuchs and Mrs. Maraska and thanking them for their willingness to serve Wakefield School. 

Sincerely yours, 

Ashley Harper
Head of School