From the Head of School - Thetford Academy

Welcome to TA’s website!

Whatever brings you here – whether you are a current or prospective student, a panther parent or grandparent, a TA alum, a community supporter, a curious educator, or just an interested Upper Valley neighbor – we hope you find stories, facts, and program information about Thetford Academy that are useful and compelling and that capture the unique and inspired nature of our school.

The Head of School page allows me to share my weekly family letters and other blog posts with the wider world. Topics range from program highlights and parent reminders to student shout-outs and class projects – and so much more. Most importantly, I try to spotlight all of the exciting activity happening on our campus and offer a window into daily life and learning at TA.

Please be in touch with questions, suggestions, and ideas to share!

Carrie Brennan,
Head of School
Thetford Academy

Bio and Experience

Carrie Brennan joined Thetford Academy as Head of School in July 2019. She brings deep experience in the field of education to her leadership role at TA, including years as a history teacher, high school principal, and professional development leader. Prior to her appointment at TA, Carrie was in Tucson, Arizona for 25 years, where she was on the founding team of two high schools – Catalina Foothills High School, established in 1992, and City High School, established in 2004.

Carrie is especially passionate about creating conditions for teachers to thrive, integrating real world relevance and hands-on engagement into the curriculum, and ensuring every student is known well and nurtured to succeed.

Carrie’s work in education and education leadership has been widely recognized for its innovation and impact; she has received numerous awards, including an exemplary teacher award, a statewide principal award, and multiple community leadership awards. In 2019, she was named one of Tucson’s “Women of Influence” in the field of education.

Carrie serves on the the national advisory board for the University of Arizona College of Education. Previously she was a member of the School Reform Initiative’s board of directors and a long-time trustee for the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

Carrie earned her undergraduate degree in history and education at Dartmouth College and holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona.

Carrie has long-standing ties to the Upper Valley community. She did her student teaching at Hanover High School, joining the school’s faculty from 1988 to 1990. Her husband and fellow educator, Michael Mann, was a student teacher at Thetford Academy in 1989. “My husband and I are thrilled to be returning to the Upper Valley, where we launched our education careers three decades ago,” Brennan shares. “TA is such a vibrant place to teach and learn, thanks to the dedicated faculty, community support, positive school culture, active student body, and rich history.”

Carrie and her husband reside in Thetford, Vermont with their two sons.