How a 100-Year-Old School Is Evolving Without Losing Its Soul | Chris Herman

In this TomoClub Podcast episode, we’re joined by Chris Herman, Head of School at Garden School NYC. A Queens native and independent school leader, Chris shares his journey leading a 100-year-old school while reimagining what modern, student-centered education can look like.

Chris reflects on balancing tradition with innovation, expanding STEM and arts programs, and building strong community partnerships—all while keeping accessibility and personalized learning at the core. The conversation explores passion-driven learning, thoughtful AI use in schools, and how leaders can evolve without losing the heart of education.

Key Points Discussed
Chris Herman’s Journey into Education – A chance role as a classroom assistant led Chris from photography into education, where working with students on the fringes shaped his purpose.


Passion for Individualized Learning – Experiences in special education inspired a belief that every child deserves the same thoughtful, personalized approach.


Leading a 100-Year-Old School – Guiding Garden School through its second century by honoring tradition while embracing necessary change.


Balancing Legacy and Relevance – Celebrating long-standing values while evolving to meet the needs of today’s students.


Tradition Meets Innovation – Maintaining rigorous academics like AP courses alongside STEM, arts, and project-based learning.


Designing for Today’s Learners – Recognizing that students today learn differently than previous generations and adapting programs accordingly.


Expanding STEM and Arts with Purpose – Program growth driven by giving students access to discover and pursue their passions.


Choice and Agency in Learning – Moving beyond one-size-fits-all schooling to offer pathways students can explore and deepen over time.


Early Exposure, Later Focus – Introducing many disciplines early, then encouraging students to specialize in middle and upper grades.


Whole-Child Enrichment from Day One – Arts, languages, chess, robotics, and movement embedded into learning starting in nursery school.


AI as a Learning Accelerator – Viewing AI as a tool to remove rote tasks and unlock higher-level thinking and creativity.


Ethical and Balanced AI Use – Teaching students the difference between responsible support and academic dishonesty.


Avoiding Fear-Based Technology Decisions – Embracing innovation thoughtfully rather than reacting with panic or avoidance.


Preserving Community in a Tech-Rich World – Small-school relationships make it easier to maintain personal connection despite new tools.


Affordability as a Core Value – Sustaining access and equity while expanding programs and facilities.


Partnerships Over Price Tags – Leveraging community and university partnerships to grow programs while controlling costs.


Time Stamps / Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Meet Chris Herman, Head of School at Garden School
01:02 From photography to education: finding purpose at the margins
01:53 Why every child deserves a personalized approach
02:22 Honoring 100+ years of Garden School’s legacy
03:25 Balancing tradition with innovation in a changing landscape
03:43 Meeting the needs of today’s students in practical ways
04:21 Blending AP rigor with STEM, arts, and project-based learning
05:02 Expanding STEM and arts: a passion-driven philosophy
05:27 Choice, agency, and helping students discover their interests
06:16 Early exposure: languages, arts, robotics, and enrichment
06:59 Middle & high school pathways and student specialization
07:56 The role of AI in unlocking student potential
09:08 AI policy, ethics, and academic integrity
10:29 Using technology without losing community and human connection
11:36 Accessibility, affordability, and community engagement
11:48 Creative partnerships to grow programs and control costs
13:27 University and industry partnerships that scale impact
14:15 One lesson from a leadership journey: fit matters
15:36 The biggest challenge facing independent schools today
16:37 Budgeting, partnerships, and sustainable financial models
17:31 Closing reflections on leadership, balance, and values