Church Farm School, a boarding and day school in Exton that serves boys in grades 9-12 from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity, has welcomed a trio of new administrators, as well as a new Chair of its STEAM Program.

Margaret van Steenwyk is joining administration as Assistant Head of School and Director of Academic Affairs. As part of the school’s senior leadership team, van Steenwyk will play an integral role, responsible for the academic curriculum and all instruction; the school’s annual and daily schedule; and oversight of all academic/technology staff, department chairs, faculty recruitment, professional development, performance and evaluation, and the student advisory program. Van Steenwyk brings more than 30 years of educational experience to Church Farm School, having worked in a variety of private school settings as a teacher and administrator.

“The work for all educators at this time is inspiring, energizing, and exhausting all at once,” she said. “I am convinced that the education landscape will be significantly changed by COVID-19, and I feel the last six months have made me ready to take on the opportunity of leading Church Farm’s faculty in efforts to support school improvement and exemplary, 21st-century teaching and learning.”

Brandon Herbert joins the administrative team as the Director of Enrollment. In this role, he will recruit high-achieving young men entering grades 9-12 to the school’s college preparatory boarding and day programs. Prior to Church Farm School, Herbert was the Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Girard College in Philadelphia, as well as the Director of the D.R.E.E.A.M.S (Diversity, Resilience, English, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Science) Program at Girard College and The Philadelphia School.

“Church Farm has an incredible mission that supports the holistic growth of young men within a diverse learning environment,” he said. “My own educational experience aligns directly with the mission, and I see myself in the young men that CFS serves.”

Also joining the administrative team is Suni K. Blackwell. As the Director of Athletics, Blackwell will run the school’s vibrant athletics program, which offers 24 teams for 11 sports. He comes to Church Farm School with vast experience; he was the Director of Athletics for the Cheltenham School District and Delaware County Community College, and the founding Director of Athletics at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School.

“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to join the Church Farm family and lead its athletics programs,” said Blackwell. “Together, we will provide our student-athletes with the highest-quality academic, athletic, and social experiences. Our athletic programs will be a tool used to teach life lessons and develop the whole student in and out of the classroom. The Church Farm School athletics programs will continue to grow and represent the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and brotherhood.”

Finally, David Johnson is the new Chair of Church Farm School’s STEAM Program. In this role, he will build upon the school’s robust STEAM curriculum to create an engaging learning environment for students that bridges the science, math, engineering, arts, and math disciplines. Johnson has taught science at The Wyndcroft School, Montgomery County Community College, and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

“Church Farm School has been very welcoming to me and supportive of inquiry-based instruction,” he said. “The community has immense capacity for innovative research and design along with a deeply devoted faculty. I am excited for the upcoming school year.”

Learn more about Church Farm School.