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Emily Smith Retires

Michael Wilson Named New Head of School

Our beloved Head of School, Emily Smith, will be retiring later this year.  We will miss her greatly!  We are delighted to announce that a new Head of School has been named as her successor, Michael Wilson.  Michael brings to the role experience as an educator, a current Branch parent and a Branch Board of Trustees member.  Michael is currently a doctoral candidate in Communication Studies at The University of Leicester in England.  We are deeply grateful to the Search Committee for their support and hard work in completing the search.

Later this year, Emily will be moving to be closer to family, and even though she is giving up the title of Head of School, she will be taking up the title of “Grammy” which is highly satisfying to her.  Please join us in wishing both Emily and Michael well in their new adventures!

Emily Smith's retirement announcement and Ann Hightower's message to the community are available to view below.

As I take my leave after a very sweet 16 years, my heart is full of gratitude for all the good that I have witnessed and all the lessons I have learned while leading this wonderful community.

Emily Smith

Head of School reading with students; The Branch School; Private School in Houston
Branch School students together at fence on playground; The Branch School; Private School in Houston
Elementary students doing Outdoor Classroom project with compost; The Branch School; Private School in Houston
Picture of Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson

Being part of the TBS community is near and dear to my heart and I am both honored and excited to take on this leadership role to continue to support this very special place that is The Branch School.

Michael Wilson

Her willingness to step into the unknown has helped the board with decisions that have proved foundational to Branch success.

Ann Hightower, TBS Board Chair