Mary Louise Leipheimer, whose visionary leadership and dedication have guided Foxcroft School from a time of uncertainty to a position of extraordinary strength at the forefront of independent schools, announced Wednesday that she will retire as Head of School on June 30, 2014.

Her retirement date, which allows for a generous 22-month search and transition process, coincides with the celebration of Foxcroft's Centennial and the conclusion of Leipheimer's 25th year as Head.

"Foxcroft is incredibly well positioned not only for a second century, but also for the vision of new leadership to address the omnipresent challenges of an ever changing world," said Leipheimer in a letter to Board of Trustees Chair Marco W. Hellman.

"From every corner of the Foxcroft world, that leader will find more talent, diversity, character, energy, creativity, and commitment than seem humanly imaginable. A new partner and a new century—together, they will, for certain, be a winning combination."

In a letter to the community, Hellman noted Leipheimer's extraordinary leadership. "She led Foxcroft from a period of acute social and financial turmoil into a period of substantial growth and development at every level," he said, "and when she departs, she will leave behind a stable, strong and vibrant school."

Looking ahead, he added, "She will always be a part of our Foxcroft family. Embracing her legacy, let us move forward with the optimism, confidence and deep resolve she has fostered in us."

Leipheimer, who came to Foxcroft as an English teacher in 1967 and became Head of School in 1989, will spend the next two years continuing to lead the School and traveling the country celebrating Foxcroft's first 100 years with the entire community.

During Leipheimer's tenure as Foxcroft's ninth Head of School, Foxcroft's endowment has more than tripled, from $8 million to nearly $28 million, and annual giving has doubled. She has overseen the adoption of a Campus Master Plan, the construction of a spacious maintenance facility, and opening of a $14 million Athletic/Student Center. In July, Foxcroft broke ground on a 50-bed, LEED-certified ("green") dormitory that is the first step in an extensive residential project. All of this construction has been accomplished without incurring any long-term debt, an astounding accomplishment, especially in challenging economic times.

In the past two decades, Foxcroft's enrollment has grown, with student support coming from the introduction of merit scholarships and an increase in the financial aid budget of more than 600 percent.

The faculty is outstanding; more than 82 percent of classroom teachers hold advanced degrees. In the classroom, Foxcroft's cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program, innovative curriculum, and outstanding Advanced Placement Scholar record are exemplary. Students graduate not only with exceptional educational opportunities --- the 37 members of the most recent graduating class were offered 134 acceptances and nearly $1.2 million in merit scholarships from 94 colleges and universities --- but also possessing a confidence and sense of self that enables them to meet challenges and make a difference.

The School draws strength and stability from its vibrant alumnae body, passionate faculty, and an Administrative Team that averages 18 years of experience in independent schools, including an average of more than 11 years at Foxcroft. In addition, Leipheimer's collaborative leadership and talent for identifying people's gifts and empowering them to do their jobs successfully has created a strong team ready to keep the School moving forward.

The search for Foxcroft's 10th Head of School will be led by Board members and alumnae Reggie Groves '76, and Sally Bartholomay Downey '78. Carney, Sandoe & Associates, the leader in independent school recruitment, search and consulting services, has been retained to conduct the search.

Founded in 1914, Foxcroft School (www.foxcroft.org) is a college-preparatory boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 located in Middleburg VA. Its 2012-13 student body is comprised of 158 girls from 20 states, the District of Columbia, and nine countries. Thirty-three percent of current students receive merit- and need-based financial aid.

Foxcroft offers 90 courses, including 15 Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program. It fields athletic teams in nine sports, including a nationally-known riding program. The members of Foxcroft's most recent graduating class received 134 acceptances and $1.2 million in merit scholarships from 94 colleges and universities, including Columbia, Northwestern, California, William and Mary, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

For more information, please call 540.687.4340 or 1.800.858.2364.