Dr. Jonathan L. Silver

Dr. Jonathan L. Silver serves as Head of School at Magellan International School, where he leads the school's mission to prepare innovative, globally minded, and culturally curious students through Spanish immersion and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum.

With more than 30 years of educational leadership experience in independent, international, and public schools across the United States and Europe, Dr. Silver brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, whole-child education, and preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world.

Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building thriving school communities, expanding high school programs, leading strategic growth, and fostering cultures of innovation while remaining grounded in the values that make each school unique.

Prior to joining Magellan, Dr. Silver served as Interim Head of School at Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools and previously held Head of School positions at Austin Waldorf School, Maui Preparatory Academy, and The Village School in Houston. His leadership experience also includes serving as High School Principal at the American International School in Vienna, Austria, Assistant Head of School and Upper School Head at Emery/Weiner School in Houston, and multiple leadership and teaching roles at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh.

An experienced International Baccalaureate educator and school leader, Dr. Silver earned administrator certifications through the International Baccalaureate Organization and successfully led the authorization of the IB Diploma Program while establishing a new high school division at The Village School. His extensive experience with IB education, strategic planning, faculty development, fundraising, and institutional growth aligns closely with Magellan's vision as the nation's only secular, independent school to offer the full IB Continuum in both Spanish and English.

Throughout the search process, Dr. Silver was widely recognized by parents, faculty, staff, students, and trustees for his authentic leadership, collaborative approach, strategic thinking, and genuine commitment to students. His vision for education embraces innovation—including the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence—while remaining firmly rooted in relationship-centered teaching, global citizenship, and the development of compassionate, curious learners.

Dr. Silver holds a PhD and Master of Science in History and Policy from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in Education in Educational Thought and Policy from the University of Rochester, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Rochester. He has also taught at the university level as an instructor at Carnegie Mellon University and an adjunct instructor at Duquesne University.

As Head of School, Dr. Silver is focused on strengthening every stage of the Magellan experience—from Preschool through High School—while guiding the continued growth of the school's internationally recognized Spanish immersion and International Baccalaureate programs. He is passionate about helping students develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their communities and around the world.