About Mr. Lagarde
In December 2005, Severn’s trustees enthusiastically and unanimously voted to approve the appointment of Douglas H. Lagarde as the 9th Head of School in Severn's history. He succeeded William Creeden on July 1, 2006.
Mr. Lagarde is responsible for both the day-to-day administration of the institution and the implementation of the strategic long-range plans of the school’s Board of Trustees.
Mr. Lagarde is a strong advocate for independent schools. He grew up on the campus of Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware, where both of his parents were on the faculty. Mr. Lagarde earned an A.B. from the College of William and Mary, and a M.Ed. from Harvard University.
Mr. Lagarde began his teaching career at Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland and in 1991 moved to the University School in suburban Cleveland, OH. In his 15 years with University School, he worked in many capacities including teacher, coach, dean, assistant director of college guidance, head of the upper school and associate head.
Mr. Lagarde and his wife, Toby, reside on campus. Their son, Will, was the Valedictorian of Severn's Class of 2012.