Welcome to The Walker School, where we believe that education is not just about imparting knowledge but igniting a lifelong passion for learning and growth. We accomplish this by taking a student-centered approach to education, promoting agency and engagement that inspires students to ask questions and take ownership of their learning process.
Our vision is clear: Walker graduates are leaders who excel in a diverse and ever-changing world. This vision drives every aspect of our school, from our strong academic programs to our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. We are dedicated to providing deep, varied and student-centered learning experiences that challenge and engage our students, helping them to develop the skills and mindset they need to succeed in whatever path they choose.
Our core values – curiosity, dignity, honor and kindness – are the foundation upon which our community is built. At Walker, we encourage our students to be inquisitive and to love learning throughout their lives. We recognize the infinite worth and unique contributions of each member of the community. We always strive to do what is right, guided by our deep commitment to our Honor Code. We care for others, fostering compassion that extends throughout and beyond our campus.
We are proud of our tradition of excellence and are excited about the future. With the support of our dedicated faculty, staff, trustees, families and students, Walker will continue to be a place where transformative learning happens every day.
We invite you to explore and learn more about the unique opportunities and vibrant community that make The Walker School a place like no other.
Warm regards,
Carl C. Carlson
ABOUT
CARL CARLSON
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Carl C. Carlson is entering his third year as Walker’s Head of School. He has compiled a distinguished career as an educator over the past 30 years. After spending the first 23 years of his career working as a teacher, coach and administrator in traditional New England boarding schools, Carl moved south where he served as Head of High School for Tampa Preparatory School, which proudly calls itself “Florida’s Most Innovative School.” |
By creating structures and processes that improved the daily operations of the school, building an inclusive leadership team, and addressing the complexities of a sustainable school model, Carl helped to transform Tampa Prep into one of the most innovative and highly regarded independent schools in Florida. Carl has extensive and versatile experience in all aspects of an independent school and considers independent school education his life’s work, personal purpose and an extension of his core values.
Carl comes from a family of educators and grew up as a faculty child on three different boarding school campuses in New England. After attending Wesleyan University (where he fell in love with economics), Carl began his career as a teacher, coach and dorm parent at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts. After four years, he returned to school and earned his master’s degree in education from Harvard University. In the summer of 1995, he married his wife, Alison, and began an 18-year stay at the Taft School in Connecticut, where he taught math and economics, coached basketball and soccer, lived in dorms and served in a variety of administrative roles. In the summer of 2013, his family moved to Tampa, Fla., where he began his role at Tampa Prep. Carl and Alison, who also works in independent school education, have three adult children: Cameron, Owen and Zachary. His personal interests include travel, basketball, music, gardening, reading, cooking and Boston sports teams.
