A Quick Q&A Session with Matt

Running a middle and high school keeps Matt Horvat busy. He can easily start the day with pre-school meetings with faculty and staff at 7:30am and continue until late in the evening attending student events, such as sporting events or musical performances or board of trustees and committee meetings. He is often the first one on campus (as the Head’s House sits adjacent to the school buildings) and is the last one to walk through the dark campus on his way home via a path in the woods. Rather than take more of Matt’s time with a traditional sit-down interview, we proposed a series of questions that he could ponder on his own time.

How would you describe the Head of School job at Overlake to someone in five words or less? Exciting, challenging, amazing, fulfilling, and lonely

What has been the most surprising part of being the Head of School at Overlake?

Everyday something happens at school that is not what I expected. That could be something I learn from a student or a colleague, something I experience walking to work or being on the campus, or something I read or learned about the school.

What wildlife have you encountered since living on the campus these past 11 years?

Bobcat, deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, various types of birds, raccoons, bear, possum, fish, frogs, and the list goes on and on…

Is there a favorite spot of yours among our 73-acres campus?

I think in the early morning or late evening when the sun is either rising or setting. The light from the sun moves in incredible ways through campus and it is just awe inspiring.

What is your proudest achievement as Overlake’s Head of School?

Getting to work with amazing students and colleagues.

What do you wish you had a chance to do over again with your job?

Not stress out about various parts of work.

What is something you think most people don’t know about Overlake?

Initially the school had a dress code that included boys wearing ties to school — very short lived!

With your crystal ball, how do you picture Overlake in 20 years?

Still located on this beautiful campus with additional space included in the 73-acres. The school might be larger. The town of Redmond now is much bigger. Overlake has transportation to the light rail and public bus service to campus. Students come from around the Puget Sound region. The school has access to housing for employees and runs a robust mentoring program for young teachers. It has added a few sports and continues to be a leader in teaching and learning.

What advice do you impart to Overlake’s next Head of School?

Have fun when you can, watch classes, go to events, and see students and your colleagues in action. Don’t let the urgent get in the way of what is important and important work is never urgent (I think President Dwight D. Eisenhower said something like this!).