Matt Peer has been named assistant head of school for enrollment management, effective July 1, announced Head of School Brent Bell today.
“Our goal in making strategic changes to the school’s administrative structure is to promote growth while capitalizing on the strengths of our leaders,” Bell said. “This will allow us to successfully carry out our mission while best supporting our students and teachers along the way.”
Since being named director of enrollment management in 2020, Peer has worked with his team to develop a long-range strategic enrollment management plan that has resulted in an increase in both enrolled students and net tuition revenue.
“He has also been the driving force behind Darlington’s tuition rebalance and our efforts to provide the best possible education at the lowest possible cost,” said Bell.
As assistant head of school for enrollment management, Peer will continue to lead the school’s enrollment and retention efforts while also overseeing the school's signature year-round athletic academies.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work directly with the directors of our soccer, golf and tennis academies in this enhanced role,” said Peer. “These three programs are unique in the North American boarding school landscape, combining academic excellence through our college-prep curriculum while also showcasing our student-athletes’ athletic talents. Most importantly, I remain excited about working closely with directors and our awesome admission team to enroll well-rounded, mission-appropriate students of all ages and with varied interests who are seeking to become confident contributors in and out of the classroom."
Peer’s previous roles at Darlington have included serving as director of upper school from 2014-2020 and director of student life from 2010-2014. Prior to coming to Darlington, he taught history; worked in the dean's office; and coached football, hockey, and lacrosse at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut and the Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire.
“Matt understands independent schools and knows and loves Darlington,” said Bell. “His ability to build teams and think strategically with the best interest of students in mind will continue to serve Darlington well.”
Peer holds a B.A. in Sociology from St. Lawrence University and an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Jessica, first-grade teacher at Darlington, live on campus and are the parents of Jackson (’24) and Ella ('27).