A team of four administrators leads K–8 at Milton. We consult regularly with the head of school, Todd Bland, to ensure that K–8 academic and co-curricular programs further the Milton Academy mission and support our students. We collaborate with faculty, continually enriching a learning environment that respects tradition and honors innovation.
The K–8 leadership team includes:
- Marshall Carter, K–8 Principal
The principal provides the overall vision and direction for K–8.
- Gretchen Larkin, Assistant Principal for the Lower School
- Will Crissman, Assistant Principal for the Middle School
The assistant principals manage the day-to-day operations and guide the faculty and students of the Lower School and Middle School, respectively.
- Kristin Corbin, Director of K–8 Admission
The admission director recruits and enrolls new K–8 students each year.
- Director of K–8 Curriculum and Multicultural Programs: position to be filled during 2011–2012
The director of K–8 curriculum and multicultural programs oversees the academic program and initiatives aimed at cultivating a welcoming, inclusive community.
Marshall Carter
K–8 Principal
Marshall Carter joined the Milton Academy administration in 2008. Mr. Carter came to Milton from the Rashi School in Newton, Massachusetts, where he was the middle school director, managing all aspects of the 6–8 grade division within a K–8 setting.
His teaching experience spans more than 15 years. Prior to the Rashi School, Mr. Carter was at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge for seven years. He taught fifth grade and eighth grade classes, and was assistant director of Shady Hill's Teacher Training Course. During his independent school career, Mr. Carter coached boys' and girls' soccer, directed student theater productions, and advised student newspapers.
Mr. Carter graduated from Bowdoin College with a double major in English and History, and earned his Ed.M. from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. An avid traveler and gardener, Mr. Carter also enjoys community volunteer work.
Will Crissman
Assistant Principal for the Middle School
Will began at Milton Academy in 2004, teaching mathematics in the Middle School. After having served as Grade 7 dean for two years and Grade 8 dean for two years, Mr. Crissman assumed the role of assistant principal for Middle School in 2010. He oversees the Middle School program and ensures that the Middle School is integrally connected to the larger K–8 division and to Milton Academy's K–12 school life. Prior to coming to Milton, Mr. Crissman taught mathematics and science at Shady Hill School. Prior to pursuing his career in education, he was a consultant in Boston; before that he was a licensing and marketing coordinator for the Salt Lake City Olympics.
Mr. Crissman graduated from Bowdoin College and earned his masters in education from Lesley University. His passion other than education is competitive mountain biking.
Gretchen Larkin
Assistant Principal for the Lower School
Gretchen Larkin's first role at Milton was K–8 curriculum coordinator, beginning in 2008. Mrs. Larkin oversees the day-to-day operation and program of Milton's youngest students, Kindergarten through Grade 5. Mrs. Larkin came to Milton from the Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts, where she had been since 2006. Prior to that, she worked as the educational coordinator at Dedham Country Day School in Dedham and the K-6 learning specialist at the Advent School in Boston.
A graduate of Greenwich Academy, Mrs. Larkin earned her bachelor's degree at Lake Forest College (IL) and her Master of Arts in Teaching with honors at Manhattanville College (NY). An eager learner herself, Mrs. Larkin sees ongoing professional development as essential to any educator's success. She has participated in many workshops and conferences on learning, brain development, and educational testing; she has also presented her own scholarly work at numerous conferences, and served on an evaluation team for the Association of Independent Schools of New England.
Kristin Corbin
Director of K–8 Admission
Kristin Corbin has directed the K–8 admission office at Milton since July 2009. She is an almost-native New Englander who received her bachelor's degree from Colby College, followed by her M.Ed. at the Lesley College/Buckingham, Browne and Nichols Collaborative Internship Program. Mrs. Corbin taught elementary-age children for more than a decade in both public and independent schools before entering the world of admission. Previous to joining Milton, she lived in Washington, D.C., where she served as the associate director of admission at the National Cathedral School for Girls.