American colleges and universities have long attracted students worldwide with their prestige and credibility. Historically, that has not been the case for grade schools.
“I think that most people feel our post-secondary education in this country does a better job than our primary and secondary education,” said John Trainer, the new president and head of school for The Bolles School.
Intent on maintaining the tradition of excellence in academics and extra-curricular activities, Trainer’s philosophy is, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
“My goal is to take a really great institution and make it even stronger,” said Trainer. “It doesn’t need any major repair or refocus. Bolles is already nationally known as one of the finest college preparatory schools in the country.”
As is typical for most organizations, generating enough revenue is always a challenge. Trainer says he would like to boost the size of the schools endowment fund to provide more flexibility and help keep tuition costs down.
A veteran of the educational system, Trainer served as vice president of academic affairs 1984 at Jacksonville University during former President Fran Kinne’s tenure.
Replacing interim headmaster Ed Stopyra in July, Trainer resigned from his job as president of Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina to get back to the business of shaping young lives.
“I missed the students,” explained Trainer. “Even as an administrator, you don’t have the same relationship with students that you do as a faculty member.”
Switching from upper level education to a private school for children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade leaves Trainer with a greater sense of accomplishment.
“You certainly have a significant impact on your students when you’re at a college or university, but the impact tends to be in terms of what you’re teaching,” he said.
“Here, you’re really dealing with someone who’s developing in a whole lot more areas than that and you have much greater potential impact.”
Boasting Olympic athletes, National Merit Scholarship recipients, Broadway performances and other accolades each year, Bolles does not focus on any one particular strength, covering a broad base of talents is more in line with the school’s focus.
Because of the success of the school’s programs, anxious parents can expect a waiting list for most grades. Applications for admission are reviewed mainly in terms of grades, maturity and community service. A number of the 1,800 students who attend Bolles stay the entire 13 years.
As president, Trainer works hand-in-hand with the board of trustees to ensure the school operates smoothly.
He administers school policy, keeping the board informed of issues that may arise on campus or in the community and on trends in education. Additionally, Trainer makes policy recommendations to the board concerning how to invest endowment dollars, maintain the property, secure financial aid for needy students and address personal concerns of the students.
A native of Allentown, Pa, Trainer received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Muhlenberg College. He earned a master’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University in North Carolina and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Oklahoma. Trainer was recruited to Bolles after a nationwide search.
The less restrictive environment of a private school and its potential are the main things that attracted Trainer to Bolles.
“We can do certain things that state regulations and politics won’t let them [public schools] do,” he said.
Trainer has been married to Alice for 34 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.