Meet Peck’s Head of the Lower School

Ashley Tabor became The Peck School's newest Head of the Lower School on July 1.

After a comprehensive national search that produced an exceptionally strong candidate pool, Tabor (who previously served as Peck's Lower School Psychologist) emerged as the clear choice to lead Peck's Lower School program into a new chapter for excellence.

Peck's K-8 program seamlessly bridges the Lower School (grades K-4) and Upper School (grades 5-8) to set the standard in elementary and middle school education.

In the Lower School, families find a gateway to a world of possibilities—children learn with excitement and enthusiasm in a caring and supportive environment. Our academic standards are high and we emphasize developing solid study skills, a strong work ethic, and a sense of responsibility.

Tabor joined the Peck community in 2018, and has been a tremendous asset ever since. She has served on the InDeCoRe 2.0 Committee, the Covid Task Force, and the Strategic Plan Design Team, and she was also the chair of the Student Support Department.

In her five years at Peck, she initiated numerous new programs for the benefit of our students, including Third and Fourth Grade Lunch Bunch and a social and emotional learning curriculum.

Throughout the search, Tabor continued to rise to the top because of her clear vision, excellent communication skills, empathetic approach to working with students, parents, and colleagues, and deep devotion and commitment to Peck.

Tabor holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and history from Muhlenberg College, a master’s degree in school psychology from Marist College, and completed the Supervisor Endorsement Program at Rutgers University.

We caught up with her about her appointment to the role, and here is what she had to say:

Why did you want to be the Lower School Head?

I love education. I think the impact you can have on so many lives simultaneously is truly remarkable. I have always dreamed of moving into administration in a school that I loved and felt passionate about.

When I learned that Nina Sharma [Peck's former Head of the Lower School] would be retiring after her incredible career, I thought long and hard about whether this was the time and place for me to take that next step.

The more I reflected, the more excited I became about the prospect of becoming the next Head of the Lower School. I feel passionate about this school, this community, and the work we can do to continue to move the Lower School program forward.

What do you love most about Peck?

Without a doubt, the people! I love working with my colleagues each day, I love watching our students push themselves and grow, and I love having the opportunity to build relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.

The Peck community is truly remarkable. They support one another when times are tough and celebrate one another’s successes. This is not always common in the workplace, and I feel so fortunate to come to work every day.

Why did you want to join the Peck community five years ago?

When I saw the School Psychologist posting at Peck five years ago, I thought it was too good to be true. I knew of Peck as an incredible school with a wonderful community and academic program. The first time I walked on campus, I knew it was where I was meant to be. I have spent the past five years continuing to feel that way.

What are you most excited about in your new role?

I am excited to continue the incredible legacy that Nina Sharma has built in the Lower School. I am looking forward to being challenged each day to move our school forward.

In light of our recent strategic plan and its implementation, I am excited to use my expertise in child development and psychology to optimize our curriculum and create the best possible learning environment for all students. Most of all, I am excited to continue to work with families, colleagues, and students in a new capacity.

I know each and every Lower School student already as a person; now I’m excited to get to know them as learners, too!

The Peck School is a K-8, co-ed, independent school in Morristown, NJ. www.peckschool.org

We set the standard for excellence in K-8 education, where academic preparation and character development intersect powerfully in the learning experience. By embedding consideration of others, service, and belonging in all that we do, we are designing an integrated approach to education that develops curious and disciplined learners who positively shape the world.