The Magic In Boarding Schools
A graduate of both the Fay School and Miss Porter's School, Mrs. Buck says she knew as early as the fifth grade that the world of boarding schools held a spell of magic and could always foresee returning to work in such an extraordinary environment.
After graduating from Connecticut College, Mrs. Buck joined Westminster School as an Admission Counselor, Dorm Parent, and Field Hockey & Lacrosse Coach. From Westminster, she attended graduate school earning degrees in clinical social work from Columbia University and in education from Harvard University. She has since held posts at Fay School, New Hampton School, and most recently as the Rector (Head of School) at Chatham Hall in Chatham, Virginia.
Life Outside WRA
Beyond our walls, Mrs. Buck is the Co-Chair of the Board of The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), the President of the Cleveland Council of Independent Schools (CCIS), former Vice President of The Enrollment Management Association and she also serves on the Board of Heads and Principals Association. A forward-thinking and innovative business leader, Mrs. Buck has secured major institutional investments, including the highly competitive E.E. Ford Grant, and continues to champion bold initiatives that strengthen WRA’s long-term strategy. A nationally recognized speaker, Mrs. Buck is frequently invited to share her expertise in school leadership, governance and enrollment strategy with organizations such as the NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools, the Enrollment Management Association (EMA), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and TABS. Inspired by a simple act of kindness at the hands, well arms, of one of our students, she recently shared thoughts in Cleveland.com about the Global Flourishing Study and factors that drive lasting happiness, many which are magnified at boarding school. Married to Johnny Buck, WRA art teacher, coach and advisor, the Bucks have a daughter, Halsey '24, and two adult children, Oliver and Nina, from Johnny's first marriage.
Innovations & Achievements
At Western Reserve Academy, Mrs. Buck made history when she took up her post as Head of School, the first woman to ever hold the position, an inveterate Pioneer. She guided us confidently through the squall of COVID-19, earning attention from The New York Times; charted a course for success through the development of our Strategic Plan; and is currently spearheading the celebration of our most historic milestone, our Bicentennial.
Since 2019, Mrs. Buck has ushered Western Reserve Academy into a period of extraordinary strength and forward momentum. Her leadership has brought clarity of vision, disciplined stewardship and a deep commitment to ensuring that Reserve’s mission continues to flourish into its third century. Under her direction, the school has achieved historic financial and strategic gains, expanding operating resources and substantially growing the endowment. Enrollment has reached the highest level in school history, accompanied by the greatest geographic diversity ever — students from 41 countries and 33 states — a reflection of Western Reserve Academy's enduring commitment to access.
These historic achievements are partnered with another — one with an impact that is incalculable but titanic. Joy. Every touchpoint, every event, every meeting, every conversation is infused with the feeling. She has a propensity and affinity for joy, and it has become an anchor for our community, keeping us buoyant and facing forward. As such, we have seen an uptick in fireworks, in birthday parties and school spirit, but she reminds our students that joy is more than happiness and fun — it is the by-product of hard work; it is intentional and practiced.
Mrs. Buck’s stewardship marks a legacy already taking root — one that strengthens Reserve’s foundation and broadens its promise for generations to come.
If a good Head of School is one who checks off all objectives on a To Do list, a great leader is one who motivates and inspires. We know we are in great hands with Mrs. Buck at the helm.