Mission + Vision - Canterbury School Skip To Main Content
white building and sign, entrance to Canterbury Lower School

Canterbury School is dedicated to academic excellence
within a caring and supportive community emphasizing 
character, leadership, and service.


 

Upper School Entrance at Canterbury School of Fort Myers. Blue skies and an American flag waving over a white modern building.

Canterbury School’s 60-year history is rooted in the leadership, generosity, and vision of those who came before us, donors, educators, volunteers, and community members who laid the foundation for the school we know today. Thanks to their dedication, Canterbury has grown into a highly respected institution, known for preparing students for success in college and life.

Since welcoming our first faculty member in 1964, Canterbury has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence. Our exceptional educators have long nurtured each student’s unique potential, fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth. They challenge, support, and celebrate the diverse learning journeys of our students every day.

Today, Canterbury’s mission, to inspire academic excellence, leadership, character, and service, is reflected in the meaningful contributions of our graduates across the globe. As we honor our legacy, we look ahead with purpose and optimism, shaping the next 60 years of learning, leadership, and impact.

Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Canterbury is currently engaged in developing a new strategic
plan to guide the school into its next chapter. Building on the
momentum of the 2020 Strategic Plan, this process is again
centered on broad community input, careful research, and
alignment with the school’s mission and values. 

The previous plan, approved by the Board of Trustees in
October 2020, emerged from more than a year of collaboration
that included constituency surveys, seven task forces, and deep engagement across the Canterbury community. Many of its goals
and action steps have been successfully implemented, and the
current planning effort seeks to build on that foundation with
a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and excellence.

This forward-looking work reflects the steady leadership of
Head of School Rick Kirschner, who is now in his tenth year,
the longest-serving head in Canterbury’s history, and
continues to champion a culture of joy, excellence,
and connection.

cover image of strategic plan showing canterbury seal on a building

View STRATEGIC PLAN

    Board of Trustees 2025-2026

        Mike Damiani, Chair
        Dominic Cameratta, Vice Chair
        Gloria Caesar, Treasurer
        Wendy Crate, Secretary

        Kellie Burns-Garvey
        Michael Dean
        Arie Dosoretz ’00
        Deb Esayian
        Chauncey Goss '84, Trustee Emeritus
        Charles Idelson, Trustee Emeritus
        Lynn Kirby
        Rick Kirschner, Ex-officio, Head of School
        Judy Langley
        Lee Levison
        Brian Lucas ’92
        David Lucas, Trustee Emeritus
        Robert Moro
        Sarah Owen
        Rishi Patel
        Stephen Pezzi
        Trey Ward ’91
 

        Honorary Life Members
        Albert Frierson
        James F. Garner
        Chauncey Goss ’84
        Susan T. Hamilton Mahan
        Charles Idelson
        David Lucas
        Robert Taylor

        Representatives
        Matt Hanson, Fathers Club Representative
        Felicia Noland, Mothers Club Representative
        Jonathan Spellman '05, Alumni Board President