The journey to La Jolla Country Day for Dr. Terwin is layered with personal and professional aspirations. After spending 12 years at an independent school in Ohio, his family—driven by a shared love for the ocean—made the move to Southern California. As a marine biologist, Dr. Terwin humorously notes the challenges of practicing marine biology in Ohio. “The ocean was calling,” he says, as he shares his excitement about embracing new opportunities at Country Day and in San Diego.
With over 20 years of experience in independent schools, Dr. Terwin expresses a deep admiration for their unique characteristics. “Independent schools attract an incredibly diverse group of students from different zip codes and backgrounds, which makes the environment rich and engaging,” he shares. He also highlights the autonomy teachers have in tailoring approaches to education. “We have shared learning outcomes, but how teachers navigate them reflects personality and passion. That’s something independent schools do better than anyone.”
When asked about his first semester at Country Day, Dr. Terwin describes his time as a balance of learning and relationship-building. “Relationships build trust, and trust is the foundation for big things,” he explains. He acknowledges the many programs and opportunities available to students, from Model UN to the arts and athletics, and shares a vision of creating more connections across these programs to amplify his impact. “I want to connect our programs more deliberately, so the skills students develop in one area complement growth in others.”
Partnerships beyond the school walls are another focus of the overall vision. He emphasizes the importance of giving upper school students opportunities to tackle real-world problems through internships, competitions, and collaborations with organizations. “[Country Day students] aren’t just participants; they add real value to these partnerships,” he said. “It’s about showing the world what our students are capable of.”
Reflecting on the school’s culture, Dr. Terwin has admiration for the vibrant optimism of the community, particularly the younger students. “There’s no one more optimistic than a kindergartner,” he said with a smile. “[Our challenge is] keeping that optimism alive as students grow into upper school and face the complexities of the world.”
The conversation also touched on the unique benefits of Country Day’s K-12 model, which allows students to grow within the same community. Dr. Terwin highlights the school’s ability to nurture voices from an early age, citing the confidence of fourth graders speaking at an all-school assembly as a testament to the supportive environment. “It’s not just about public speaking,” he said. “It’s about building confidence in presenting ideas.”
Whether on the sidelines cheering at games or attending school events, his presence has been felt across the Country Day community. With a vision rooted in collaboration, connection, and optimism, Dr. Terwin is ready to lead Country Day into an exciting new chapter.
