39 - Peter W. Smailes, Headmaster

In 2009, Peter W. Smailes became the school’s sixth headmaster. Previously, Mr. Smailes taught English in Curtis’s Upper School (Grades 7-8), served as Dean of the Upper School, and was subsequently the Head of Middle School and the school’s Outplacement Advisor. During his 19 years at Curtis, Mr. Smailes made many of the structural and programmatic improvements for which Curtis is known and respected today. Capital improvements made during his time as headmaster include renovation and expansion of the Ahmanson building and school library; renovation of the Tuttle building; and the redesign of the main playground with apparatus that continue to delight our students. Beyond these extensive physical improvements, Mr. Smailes was grew the school’s financial assistance program and worked to create a more diverse and inclusive school community.