Dear Friends,

The School Committee of Plymouth Meeting Friends School is pleased to share that Matthew Bradley, who has served as Interim Head of School since July 2025, has accepted the invitation to become the permanent Head of School, effective immediately. Matt joined PMFS following a comprehensive national search that recognized his deep experience in independent and Quaker education, as well as his strong alignment with the school’s mission and values.

Since arriving on campus, Matt has quickly become a steady, grounding presence. Community members often describe him as calm, warm, and approachable, bringing humor, humility, and humanity into his daily interactions. His leadership reflects the Quaker practice of deep listening and discernment. Families and colleagues have expressed appreciation for his thoughtful and caring approach to leadership, and many have shared their confidence in his ability to guide PMFS forward with integrity and care.

Parents have consistently offered positive feedback about the supportive and nurturing environment that continues to flourish at PMFS. They speak highly of the dedication of our teachers and the strong sense of connection and care their children experience each day. These reflections affirm the environment Matt has helped foster—one in which each child’s Inner Light is recognized, honored, and encouraged to grow.

Matt’s experience and leadership in Friends education have equipped him to guide our school community with clarity and purpose, “grounded in our school’s Quaker roots”. His approach centers curiosity, reflection, and community. He remains committed to supporting teachers, strengthening the school’s culture of care, and ensuring that PMFS continues to embody the values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.

As we look toward the future, the hopes and aspirations shared by our community resonate deeply with Matt’s own vision. One community member offered this thoughtful reflection:

“I envision PMFS as a school with a strong, confident, and well-supported staff who feel capable, valued, and prepared to teach children from all walks of life. This includes meeting a wide range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, and working in partnership with families to remove as many barriers to learning as possible. Matt’s leadership feeds directly into that vision through his steady, thoughtful approach and his commitment to listening and collaboration. By prioritizing support, professional growth, and a shared sense of purpose, he helps create the conditions for staff to do their best work and for students and families to feel truly welcomed and supported.”

This vision builds on the strong foundation already present at PMFS and reflects the direction in which our community continues to grow. It aligns beautifully with Matt’s belief that every student should feel a deep sense of belonging and experience a meaningful, positive academic journey grounded in care, connection, and Quaker values.

On behalf of the School Committee, I express deep gratitude for Matt’s leadership and confidence in the wisdom, compassion, and purpose he will continue to bring to PMFS.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Matt’s appointment as Plymouth Meeting Friends School’s twelfth Head of School.

Warmly,

Jeff Markovitz

Clerk, School Committee

Dear Friends,

Since I first engaged with Plymouth Meeting Friends School as a candidate and then began serving as Interim Head of School in July, I have focused much of my energies on the simple but vital task of listening. My intention has been to learn about PMFS through the people who know it best – current and former faculty, students and their parents, alumni and alumni families, school committee and meeting members – and by being attentive to their experiences, needs, and aspirations.  

What I have learned and continue to discover every day will be familiar to many of you. First and foremost, Plymouth is a school community where the Light that is in everyone is seen and nurtured; where the integrity of childhood is valued for its creativity and beauty; where devoted teachers provide joyful learning experiences; and where our Quaker mission underpins all that we do.  

From my career in independent and Friends education, I have come to understand that the best schools educate children to become the kinds of adults we want to lead our society: individuals who think critically and challenge assumptions; who reach out with kindness to others and have a sense of responsibility to their community; and who draw upon the foundation of their school experiences to be creative, caring problem solvers and to lead lives of meaningful purpose. I have learned that Plymouth is this kind of school.

Plymouth is also a school with an exciting opportunity to build upon these remarkable strengths. By engaging in strategic initiatives that draw upon existing resources – including our dedicated faculty and highly supportive community – and invite new ideas and investments, PMFS is poised to grow into an even stronger future that will benefit our students today and for generations to come.

My experience of listening and learning has led to a deep sense of appreciation as well as inspiration. I am honored by the School Committee’s invitation to continue serving as the Head of Plymouth Meeting Friends School and look forward with eager anticipation to supporting and collaborating with the Faculty & Staff, School Committee, families, alumni, and broader community as we continue this good and meaningful work together.

In peace,

Matthew Bradley

Head of School