Meet Carl Coombs

The Advent School is thrilled to announce that Carl Coombs has been appointed Head of School, beginning July 1, 2027.

For the past five years, Carl has served as Assistant Head of School at Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill, where he has earned an outstanding reputation as an inspiring and collaborative leader who builds strong relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff.

Reflecting on his excitement about joining Advent, Carl shares:

"I am especially excited about the chance to lead a school in the heart of Boston, where the city itself is considered an extension of the classroom. Advent’s progressive approach, strong faculty culture, and close-knit community create a solid foundation for its next phase of growth. I look forward to partnering with the Board, faculty, and families to strengthen enrollment, share Advent’s story more broadly, and ensure the school’s long-term stability and success."

Carl brings more than eighteen years of experience at Brimmer and May, where he has steadily advanced from classroom teacher to grade-level dean, division head, and ultimately schoolwide leadership. After many years as Head of the Middle School (Grades 6–8), he currently oversees both the Lower School (Grades PK–5) and Middle School programs.

In his role as Assistant Head of School, Carl works closely with the Head of School to guide faculty recruitment and retention, professional growth and support, strategic planning, operations, program innovation, and the overall student experience. Among his many accomplishments are cultivating a strong and positive faculty culture, advancing student-centered learning, strengthening partnerships among students, families, and teachers, and providing calm, thoughtful, data-informed leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also widely respected for his commitment to equity, belonging, and preparing students to thrive academically while becoming thoughtful participants in a diverse and interconnected world.

Colleagues describe Carl as a highly relational leader who inspires trust and builds meaningful connections across a school community. Equally comfortable working with young children, supporting faculty, engaging families, and addressing the operational and strategic responsibilities of school leadership, he brings both warmth and vision to his work.

Carl holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre from Carthage College, a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Emerson College, and an Advanced Certificate in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He serves on the faculty of the NAIS School Leadership Institute, where he guides and mentors other independent school leaders from across the country. 

Outside of school, Carl is a certified spin instructor who enjoys traveling, reading, attending Broadway shows, and spending time with his husband Garth and their two children.

The Advent School community is thrilled to welcome Carl and his family and looks forward to the leadership, energy, and partnership he will bring to the school's next chapter.