Meet Head of School Lise Charlier


Born and raised in Haiti, Head of School Lise Charlier was educated in the Haitian, French, and American educational systems. Her father, Gérard Frédérique, was a Haitian ophthalmologist and her mother, Esther Eshelman, was a Mennonite nurse from a Pennsylvania farming family. 

In her time at CSW, Lise has proven herself to be a capable and accomplished educator, who leads with intellect, patience, positivity, and drive. Her 25+ years of experience as a teacher and administrator is evident in her ability to build relationships, problem-solve, and innovate with creativity and confidence.

Prior to CSW, Lise served as director of studies and strategic initiatives at Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland. Before this role at Severn, Lise was upper school assistant principal at Friends School of Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. She has served on the board of trustees for Green Street Academy, the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS), the Cowles Charitable Trust, and most recently the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE).

She holds an MS in education from Johns Hopkins University and a BS from Georgetown University. 

Follow Along with Lise's Lens

List of 20 news stories.

  • Lise's Lens: March 7, 2024

    This week I am thinking about amazing student performances, the value of the humanities, and the history of Jewish female stand up comedians. 

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  • Lise's Lens: February 29, 2024

    I am reading about the history of Spelman College, thinking about our seniors affected by FAFSA delays, and watching amazing footage from deep within the ocean. 
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  • Lise's Lens: February 22, 2024

    I’ve been thinking about CSW’s upcoming trip to Japan, sustainable design solutions, and Beyoncé’s surprising new releases as I hit the road to meet with CSW alumni and friends this week.
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  • Lise's Lens: February 15, 2024

    The increasing importance of human skills in the workplace, the meaning of Valentine’s Day, and delightful jazz music are all on my mind this week!
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  • Lise's Lens: February 8, 2024

    I recently read the novel The Berry Pickers, watched a video in honor of Black History Month, and proudly observed student leaders present to faculty and staff on an important topic. 
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  • Lise's Lens: February 1, 2024

    This week, I am thinking about the importance of quality education for teens, our amazing guest speaker from Beyond Walls, and exciting news from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
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  • Lise's Lens: January 25, 2024

    I am going into the mod break thinking about rock/pop, our winter wilderness adventurers, and a fascinating book I've been reading.
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  • Lise's Lens: January 18, 2024

    This week I am reading advice for the workplace, thinking about food waste, and considering the roles that statues play in our communities. 
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  • Lise's Lens: January 11, 2024

    This week I read about the disparities in reading skills in Massachusetts, reflect on our MLK Jr. Day Assembly, and watch Missy Elliott's induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 
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  • Lise's Lens: December 14, 2023

    I am thinking about the recent COP28 Climate Summit Deal, yesterday’s Zoomvisory meetings, and the magic of stop-motion animation.
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  • Lise's Lens: December 7, 2023

    This week I am reading about the 2024 color of the year, contemplating coursework from my Haiti class, and getting ready to watch our basketball players in the Gryphon Goblet tournament this weekend! Don't forget to wear blue and gold tomorrow (Friday).
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  • Lise Lens: November 30, 2023

    This week I consider Jesmyn Ward’s Let Us Descend, the Merriam-Webster word of the year, and a recent speech by Haiti’s UNESCO ambassador.
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  • Lise's Lens: November 16, 2023

    This week I lament the national drop in foreign language learners, celebrate Native American and Alaskan Heritage Month, and express my great awe at last week's production of As You Like It.
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  • Lise's Lens: November 9, 2023

    The intersection of art and science, sustainability consultant Liz Cutler, and a new Netflix miniseries are the focus of this week’s edition.
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  • Lise's Lens: November 2, 2023

    This week I am enjoying recent work by Visual Art Teacher Anne Rearick, contemplating the complicated relationship between hope and despair, and taking in an art exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum.
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  • Lise's Lens: October 26, 2023

    This week I am thinking about the power of music, the housing insecurity crisis here in the U.S., and our upcoming visitors from Japan!
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  • Lise's Lens: October 19, 2023

    This week I am getting ready for my Mod 3 class on Haiti, reading about how distribution rights work in the film industry, and listening intently to what those impacted by the Israel/Gaza crisis have to say. 
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  • Lise's Lens: October 12, 2023

    This week I am thinking about the conflict in the Middle East, reading an article on habits for happiness, and listening to a panel discussion on the mental health crisis in the U.S.
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  • Lise's Lens: October 5, 2023

    This week I reflect on Fall Family Weekend, listen to heartfelt stories about fellow educators, and dive into a fascinating (but also disheartening) read about mosquitos.
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  • Lise's Lens: September 28, 2023

    This week I am reading Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake, listening to a poem by the late Libyan writer Mustafa al-Trabelsi, and getting excited for Fall Family Weekend!
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Office of the Head of School

45 Georgian Road
Weston, MA 02493
Tel. 781-642-8612

Lise Charlier
Head of School

Sherrill Bounnell
Assistant to the Head of School
"Together we will guarantee that CSW remains an extraordinary school — a place where young people have the time and space to grow into the people that they want to be, in an environment that allows them to know and appreciate themselves and others, where they can ask questions freely and fully, engage in intellectual pursuit, and be kind and contributing members of society who seek social justice locally and globally."

Head of School Lise Charlier

The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.