Welcome, Luthern!
Luthern Williams Appointed Next Head of School
Luthern begins his tenure July 1, 2025.
Luthern Williams currently serves as Acting Head of School at Tessellations, where he has brought thoughtful leadership and a steady hand during a time of important transition. Since stepping into the role in November 2024, he has helped the school clarify its strategic direction, strengthen alignment across programs, and deepen community trust. His work has included leading the redesign of Middle and High School into a unified Secondary School, spearheading the refinement of literacy instruction for gifted learners, and championing a renewed commitment to mission-driven, strategic growth. A Harvard-trained educator with a long-standing dedication to developing schools that cultivate the full potential of young people, Luthern leads with both strategic clarity and deep careāuplifting a culture where gifted learners are empowered to thrive as their full, authentic selves.
The Board chose Luthern not only for his leadership but also for the clarity, compassion, and vision he brings to this moment in our evolution. His appointment reflects our shared belief in the kind of school we are buildingāone that celebrates giftedness in all its complexity and cultivates a lasting culture of trust, purpose, and possibility.
In his own words, Luthern shares what drew him to Tessie, what he sees in our students, and how he envisions the road ahead.
A Letter from Luthern
Luthern Williams
May 2025
It is with deep purpose and gratitude that I will step into the role of Head of School at Tessellations, beginning July 1, 2025.
From the moment I arrived at Tessie, I felt something rare. I saw children who reminded me of my younger selfācurious, emotionally attuned, full of wonder, and brimming with questions. But unlike my own experience in school, these students were not asked to dim their light. At Tessellations, giftedness is not hidden or simply accommodatedāit is understood, nurtured, and celebrated.
Tessellations is a school where students are invited to explore deeply, speak boldly, and belong fully. Here, we center the development of the whole personāintellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. We create space for growth that is non-linear, complex, and profoundly human. This is a place where young people can talk about Platoās Allegory of the Cave in fifth grade and build imaginative worlds on the playground, all within a dayās learning. And thatās exactly how it should be.
As we look ahead, our focus is clear:
- We will nurture every studentās voice and agency.
- We will continue strengthening our curriculum across divisionsāanchored in project-based learning, brain-based pedagogy, and interdisciplinary design.
- We will support and encourage the creativity of our educators.
- We will continue to mobilize our community to break the mold for 21st century gifted education.
- And together, we will design a permanent home for Tessellations that honors our mission and expands whatās possible.
The journey ahead is one of imagination and intention. Itās not just about growing a schoolāitās about cultivating a thriving ecosystem where children, families, and educators grow in relationship with one another and the world. We are preparing young people ready to advance an equitable and sustainable world.
To all who have made Tessellations what it isāand to those just discovering usāthank you. Iām honored to lead this next chapter with you.
With warmth and commitment,
Luthern Williams
Head of School Elect, Tessellations