Jennifer Jagdmann, Head of School, Corbett Preparatory School

August 2026 —In an interview with Invest:, Jennifer Jagdmann, head of school at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, discussed how population growth, educational philosophies, and a renewed focus on student-centered learning are shaping the school’s approach. “That is ultimately what we owe them — making sure their development is supported across all cognitive levels, especially during these formative years,” she said.

What key changes over the past year have had the most significant impact on Corbett Prep, and in what ways?

I think we are seeing so much growth in Florida. There are so many people coming into the state, and that has probably had the most significant impact. We are seeing it directly through admissions, with families coming into Tampa looking for high-quality education, not just from across the country, but from around the world.

Last year, we had a large number of international families exploring schools in Tampa. That was a wonderful shift for us in admissions.

What that has created is an even more dynamic and diverse student population, which is something we truly value at Corbett. We strive for diversity in every sense, and having that mix of families and perspectives has been incredibly meaningful and beneficial for our students.

What recent initiatives or developments are you most excited about, and what impact are you seeing on students and the broader school community?

One of our biggest initiatives this year has been our partnership with Northwestern University. Through that partnership, all of our teachers and most of our teacher assistants participated in a gifted education course that spanned the entire year.

It is important to clarify what we mean by gifted education. We are not defining it by a specific IQ threshold. Instead, through the Northwestern Center for Talent Development, we focus on the belief that every child has a gift or talent. Our responsibility is to uncover that gift and help it grow.

Over the past year, we have studied strategies and pedagogy together to help teachers better identify and develop those talents in each student. It has been a meaningful investment in our educators, and we are very proud of the impact it is already having in the classroom.

In a competitive education landscape, how are you approaching talent attraction and development?

Corbett is unique in that we are one of the few pre-K through eighth-grade independent schools in the Tampa Bay area. Our setting is very outdoor-focused, and our approach to education centers on developing the whole child.

We attract families who want more than traditional academics. They are looking for opportunities for their children to explore a wide range of experiences, whether that is performing on stage, playing sports, learning music, or participating in programs like Odyssey of the Mind.

We also place a strong emphasis on cooperative learning and communication skills. One of the things we are most proud of is what we call “Corbett presence” — our students’ ability to engage confidently, look someone in the eye, shake hands, and hold meaningful conversations.

In today’s digital world, those human skills are incredibly important. I actually had a moment recently that really reinforced that. An alum from 2010 came back to visit. She had been my seventh-grade English student, and she shared how her experiences at Corbett shaped who she is today. She talked about the focus on positivity and how those lessons stayed with her through both successes and challenges.

That kind of connection is what we strive for. It is about the intangible skills, the resilience, and the ability to face challenges, identify opportunities, and move forward.

What key trends are you seeing in K-12 education right now?

One of the key trends I see is actually a movement away from over-reliance on technology. As we look at research and data on cognitive development over time, it raises important questions about how technology has been integrated into education.

We have to ask ourselves whether we have leaned too heavily on technology to make education more convenient, and whether it is time to refocus on deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.

I think we may start to see a shift away from one-to-one devices and constant laptop use, especially for younger students. At Corbett, our students are very hands-on and engaged in active learning. We still use technology where appropriate, but we are also challenging ourselves to think about how we can create more meaningful and deeper learning experiences for every child.

That is ultimately what we owe them — making sure their development is supported across all cognitive levels, especially during these formative years.

What are some of the biggest challenges currently facing independent schools in the Tampa Bay region?

Every independent school is different, and families choose schools based on their mission and approach. One trend we are seeing, though, is a shift toward homeschooling for some families.

In many cases, families are choosing homeschooling so they can focus more intensively on their children’s specific passions — whether that is music, athletics, or specialized academic areas. Some students are dedicating large portions of their day to those pursuits while structuring academics more flexibly around them.

We are also seeing students leave for specialized programs, such as sports academies, where training becomes the primary focus. I do think this is a trend that will continue to grow, and it is something independent schools need to be aware of as we continue to evolve and differentiate our offerings.

How do you engage with the Tampa Bay community, and what role does community engagement play in the student experience?

We often describe ourselves as a private school with a public purpose. We believe we are preparing the leaders of tomorrow, and that means equipping students not only with academic skills, but also with empathy and an understanding of the community around them.

One of our most impactful partnerships has been with Feeding Tampa Bay. Over the past several years, we have worked to make our involvement more meaningful for students. It is not just about collecting donations — it is about helping them understand where that support goes and why it matters.

Students participate in food drives, set ambitious goals, and then visit the organization to sort and distribute food. They see the full process and understand the impact of their actions. We also involve families through community engagement opportunities.

What makes it especially meaningful is that many of these initiatives are student-driven. Our National Junior Honor Society leads major efforts, and students take ownership of campaigns, communication, and execution.

We have also seen students take initiative in other ways, such as developing mentorship programs with local schools. These are organic efforts driven by their desire to help others, and that level of ownership is incredibly powerful.

What are your key goals and priorities for the school over the next five years?

Our number one priority is always our students. Our mission begins with putting children first, and that means making sure we are equipping them with the skills they will need for the future.

We want to ensure that our approach to education is grounded in research and supports both critical and creative thinking. As we look ahead, it is essential that students are prepared not just academically, but in how they think, problem-solve, and adapt.

Another key priority is expanding experiential learning opportunities. We want students to engage more with the community, understand real-world systems, and recognize how their actions impact others.

We are also focused on investing in our teachers. Professional development is critical, and we want to continue building strong partnerships with universities and other institutions to support educator growth.

Ultimately, we are a school built by educators, and we believe that by developing great teachers, we are creating the best possible environment for our students to succeed.