Christopher Herman has led Garden School in Jackson Heights through a transformative period, focusing on preserving its community roots while modernizing its programs and facilities.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Christopher Herman’s journey to Head of the Garden School in Jackson Heights is one that blends personal commitment with a deep sense of community. As the Head of School at Garden School, Herman has spent the last five years building on the rich legacy of this century-old institution, which has become a cornerstone of independent education in Queens. Known for its small class sizes, diverse student body, and emphasis on individualized attention, Garden School offers a unique alternative to traditional public schooling in the borough.
Herman’s path to education leadership was not exactly linear. Born and raised in Queens, he spent part of his childhood nearby in Woodside and later attended Long Island University in Brooklyn, where he initially pursued a degree in photography. His academic journey and career took him to Philadelphia, where he spent 14 years as part of a team that founded and led AIM Academy, a school focused on serving students with learning differences. It was a period of growth and learning that shaped his take on education.
Garden School, founded in 1923, serves children from nursery through 12th grade. It has long been known for its deep connection to local families and its commitment to a rigorous yet personalized academic experience. Herman, whose family has deep roots in Queens, views the school’s history and mission as central to its success.
“Garden School is probably the most diverse independent school in the city, and a lot of that is because of our lower barrier to entry in terms of cost, means that folks from the local neighborhood can access our school,” Herman said. “What we’d like to continue to do is be the accessible, Independent School option for normal families in Queens.”
Under Herman’s leadership, the school has emphasized affordability, individualized attention, and resilience, while fostering a tight-knit environment for students and families.
Under Herman’s leadership, the school has expanded its offerings and improved its facilities, aligning the century-old institution with modern educational trends. A key element of his tenure has been the integration of cutting-edge programs like robotics, arts, and global studies, which complement the school’s longstanding commitment to personalized education.
“Garden’s ‘small-by-design’ ethic enables us to focus on the individual child while also being large enough to ensure students are afforded every social, academic, athletic, and creative opportunity out there,” Herman said. “Our intentional and nurturing environment creates a safe space for students to set ambitious goals, grow intellectually, and take appropriate risks in the classroom, on the stage, and on the field.”
Since his arrival, Herman has overseen the renovation of the school’s high school facilities, including a new science lab, fitness center, and a host of specialized classrooms.
One of the school’s most distinctive features is its commitment to affordability. Garden School is well-known in the area for providing a high-quality independent education at a fraction of the cost of many other private schools in New York City. Herman’s focus on financial sustainability has included creative revenue-generating programs, such as a partnership with the Department of Education to offer free pre-kindergarten and 3K programs, a vibrant summer camp, and specialized music and arts classes. These initiatives have helped ensure that Garden School remains an accessible option for a wide range of families in the surrounding neighborhoods.
“We’re able to offer an excellent education at a price point that makes independent schooling accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to afford it,” Herman said. “That’s a core part of what makes this school so special.”
Head of the school, Chris Herman alongside longtime Garden School educator, Bill Vogel.
In addition to his professional achievements, Herman carries with him a strong sense of local history. His grandfather, Frank Principe, was a community activist in Queens and played a key role in the development of the Maspeth area. Principe’s legacy includes his work as chair of Community Board 5 and his efforts to improve infrastructure in the area. Herman sees his role at Garden School as part of that broader tradition of community leadership.
“Community leadership is an important part of the legacy of my grandpa and my family, so I’m just continuing that on,” Herman said.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Herman and his staff faced one of their toughest challenges yet, but they responded with resilience and determination.
“We stayed open every single day, from summer camp all the way through the entire pandemic,” Herman said.
While many schools were forced to close or shift to remote learning, Garden School remained operational, implementing stringent safety protocols to keep students and staff safe. The school even conducted frequent testing for students to ensure a safe environment. Despite the hardships, Herman’s leadership helped the school not only weather the storm but also make significant strides forward. He oversaw the publication of a strategic plan that set out over 100 goals on their 100th anniversary, many of which focused on financial sustainability and program enhancement.
For Herman, the school’s success hinges on its sense of community, which he believes is one of Garden School’s greatest strengths. The school has a diverse student body, with families from a range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Many students are local, and the school prides itself on being a true reflection of the neighborhood. Herman himself has two children who attend Garden School, one in ninth grade and the other in preschool, which further strengthens his personal connection to the school.
The emphasis on community engagement is clear in the school’s active Garden Family Association (GFA), a parent-led organization that helps organize events, supports teachers, and provides a direct channel for families to stay involved with school life. The GFA is also instrumental in the school’s fundraising efforts, including the annual gala that helps raise critical funds for scholarships and programming.
Looking to the future, Herman has big plans for Garden School. While he envisions gradual growth, he remains committed to preserving the school’s small, tight-knit atmosphere. His goal is to ensure that every child who walks through Garden School’s doors receives the individual attention and care they need to succeed.
“What makes us special is our size and our ability to respond to the needs of every individual student,” Herman said. “I want us to remain a place where kids feel known and valued.”
As he reflects on his time at the school and the challenges of the past five years, Herman is optimistic about the future of Garden School. His focus remains firmly on the students, teachers, and families who make the school what it is today: a place where community, academic excellence, and personal growth are at the heart of everything they do.
“Here at Garden, it’s not just about educating the mind, it’s about nurturing the whole person—academically, socially, and emotionally,” Herman said. “We believe in the power of community, and that sense of belonging is what sets us apart.”
