That didn't just happen by chance.

For nearly 40 years, The Meadows has been led by a series of administrators who commit themselves to leaving the school even better than they found it. The men charged with doing so for the past decade and beyond share a common passion for educating children and pushing for improvements at every step of the way.

First hired as a Middle School English teacher, Jeremy Gregersen spent more than eight years at the helm of The Meadows as Head of School before accepting his next role as Head at Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey. During his time leading The Meadows, Gregersen accomplished much, including an expansion of the Beginning and Upper School, the crafting of two strategic plans, and a rebranding of the school. He also pushed for diversity in the school experience, specifically growing the athletics program.

“We can be excellent in academics, but also excellent in other areas,” Gregersen said. “Expanding the definition of what excellence looks like is something I’m really proud of.”

When Gregersen first stepped into the Head of School role, he saw that The Meadows was popular among families because of its academic prowess, but didn’t offer students that same level of superior arts or athletic offerings. So he began first with the athletic program, hiring new directors and coaches.

“Athletics has the ability to bring a community together,” he explained. “It has the ability to teach a child lessons they can’t learn in a classroom.”

Indeed, the change was felt quickly. In a matter of just a few years, The Meadows went from a non-contender to state champions in many sports. This, coupled with expanded elective offerings, new traditions like the Battle for the Bell, and a strong faculty and leadership team, caused admission demand to follow suit. Class sizes began to max out and the facility needed an expansion, which in turn led to the new STEM facility that opened this school year.

With so much growth underway, it was clear that Gregersen’s successor needed to be chosen carefully. Claude Grubair, the Athletic Director Gregersen hired to bring the school’s athletics to the next level, stepped in as interim Head of School as the search for a permanent replacement began.

“I wanted to bring in the idea that all departments are connected to one another,” Grubair said. “One of the things that drew me here was that I saw an athletic department where the rosters were there but the quality of coaching wasn’t at the level expected. The goal was to bring a level of balance and equity to the program.”

And it’s worked. Last fall, the school won the state championship in many sports, including girls golf, volleyball, football, and girls and boys tennis.

Grubair began boosting the school’s athletic reputation by improving the coaching, then developing programming that prepares Lower and Middle School students for high schoollevel sports.

Even outside of sports, physical fitness has become a priority for students at The Meadows under Grubair’s direction. He launched a top Human Performance program, which focused first on improved fitness, then better speed, and finally increased strength.

“Kids are fit, happy, thriving and they want more,” he said.

That’s where he will hand the reins over to Dr. Jay Berckley, who will take over as Head of School for the 2023-24 school year. His vision for The Meadows is one that continues the pattern of overall excellence that dates back to its very founding.

“When people think of The Meadows, I want them to think of a school that is committed to excellence in all we endeavor to accomplish, in the classroom, on the court, in performances, and in the community, along with the personal and intellectual growth of its students,” he said. “I want them to think of a supportive and inclusive community where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and are given the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential. Above all, I want people to think of The Meadows as a place where students love learning and are inspired to lead meaningful lives.”

Berckley was attracted to the opportunity with The Meadows School because of its longstanding reputation of producing students who love learning and continuing their education.

“I was drawn to the opportunity to help students achieve their full potential,” he said. “It is my absolute honor to join the faculty and staff, our students, and this remarkable community as we endeavor to support and inspire the next generation of graduates.”

His short-term focus will be on providing engaging educational opportunities within a positive and inclusive community. Looking ahead, he wants to stay nimble to evolve in response to the changing needs of both students and the community at large.

“A successful school is one that is able to inspire and engage its students, while also supporting their growth and development as individuals,” he said. “A successful school also provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a rapidly-changing world.”

The Meadows School has been a contributing fixture to the Las Vegas community for nearly four decades, and that’s not something any of the school’s leaders see changing during times of growth and progress moving forward.

Today, The Meadows School is positioned to tackle new challenges, ones brought about by growth and increased demand. Grubair is thankful, however, to have played a part in bringing the school to a point where “we are now operating from a position of strength,” he said.

“My hope is that The Meadows School feels relevant in the community and that people feel Las Vegas is lucky to have that school in their community,” Gregersen said. “I was lucky to be there at a time to grow it from a young school into a sustained mode, where The Meadows School can be strong for a long time.”

A TIME OF TRANSITION AND STRENGTH.

Mr. Grubair stepped in as Interim Head of School in August 2022. With guidance from Mr. Gregersen and the Board, he paved the way for our new Head, Dr. Berckley, to lead TMS starting in July 2023.

Heads Of School

When people think of The Meadows, I want them to think of a school that is committed to excellence in all we endeavor to accomplish, in the classroom, on the court, in performances, and in the community, along with the personal and intellectual growth of its students.”