HEIDI HUTCHISON | PRINCIPAL, PK-8 | FRIENDS SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE Heidi Hutchison excels in innovative curriculum design and transformational leadership. Her joyful, reflective approach nurtures growth and stability within school communities. Heidi began her career in special education in Baltimore City. She came to Friends School of Baltimore as a fourth-grade teacher and transitioned to Assistant Principal for Pre-Primary and then Middle School Principal. She recently took on the role of Principal, Pre-K-8.WHAT DREW YOU TO EDUCATION?I’ve always loved children. Their boundless enthusiasm and natural curiosity about everything around them resonates deeply with me. Children are the hope of the future and there is nothing more inspiring. There is also humility in remaining curious, a willingness to admit that we don’t have all the answers, and a drive to seek them out. For me, teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling that is deeply intertwined with my faith and belief in serving others.During my time at Friends, my approach to teaching and learning has evolved significantly. I began my career with a traditional view of education, influenced by my own experiences as a student. As each year passed, I realized that students do not only learn from what you tell them; they learn from what you do. Leading by example has become a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy, both for my students and my colleagues.WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOUR SCHOOL FROM OTHER INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN OUR AREA?What drew me to Friends was the philosophy that the educational journey matters. Success is about both the outcome and the experiences and growth along the way. We strive to create an inclusive environment where every child is valued and encouraged to embrace their unique talents and interests. To do this, we provide a challenging academic curriculum, competitive athletic teams, and excellent arts programs so students are well-rounded and discover their passions.A Friends School education is deeply rooted in inquiry-based teaching and learning. Asking questions and reflecting are integral to our school’s philosophy, encouraging students to seek deeper understanding and engage actively in their education. Grounded in the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship, we teach the importance of seeing the “light” in each individual, celebrating differences, striving for simplicity, and seeking truth through community wisdom. With this foundation, our students graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed personally and professionally, equipped with the patience to listen, the ability to reflect before acting, and the courage to voice their thoughts and opinions respectfully.This article is part of the 2024-2025 Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools.