New Head of Upper School Named

CDS welcomes Timothy P. Walsh and his family.

Following an international search, Head of School Sara Rubinstein is pleased to announce that Timothy P. Walsh has been appointed Carrollwood Day School's next Head of the Upper School. He will assume his new role on July 1, 2021. Walsh replaces Rubinstein who served as upper school head since 2017 prior to being named Head of School in August. We are most grateful to Nancy Hsu, DP Coordinator, who is providing stability and leadership as Interim Head of the Upper School during this challenging school year. 

"I am excited to welcome Tim and his family to CDS," says Sara Rubinstein. "Tim's extensive background of leadership in IB schools and track record of innovation made him a uniquely qualified candidate for this exciting moment in our school history. I look forward to working with him as we solidify our place as the destination school in Tampa Bay for a relevant and authentic independent education."

Tim Walsh and his family will be coming to CDS from the International School Basel in Switzerland, where he is completing a five-year tenure as Senior School Principal (670 students). Walsh began his career in education as a high school science teacher in the U.S. advancing to become a high school vice principal in 2006. For the past 12 years, he has been an upper school and middle school principal and assistant principal in international schools in Singapore and Switzerland. 

Having taught IB science courses in grades 6-12, as well as being an administrator in IB schools, he has extensive experience with IB programme implementation at both the MYP and DP levels in independent schools as well as in different cultural contexts and school communities. Walsh’s IB background, together with his record of leading the visioning and execution of innovative, future ready curricula and his expertise creating caring, supportive learning environments strongly align with the mission and culture of Carrollwood Day School.

Walsh is regarded as a principled and effective leader by his colleagues. He was integral to many key development projects at his former schools and is credited with setting the stage for continued improvements. He is recognized for his collaborative and creative approach to decision making and problem solving. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to working with students, families, teachers, and other school professionals to positively impact the lives of children and the school community as a whole.

Walsh received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. He went on to receive two master's degrees; one in Secondary Science Education from State University of New York at Brockport and the second in Educational Administration from St. John Fisher College, where he was also recipient of the Dr. Ronald Edmond Award of Excellence.

Walsh Family

Looking forward to beginning his new position, Walsh writes, "My family and I are delighted to be joining the Carrollwood Day School community.  During my recent visit I enjoyed conversations with students, staff, parents and board members and learning more about what makes CDS a special place to learn.  Carrollwood Day School already feels like home to me and I look forward to working in partnership with our Patriot community in service to our students.  I can't wait to begin!"

We look forward to welcoming Tim and his family to Tampa and the Carrollwood Day School family.