Dr. Steve Druggan, Head of School, Begins Second Tenure at SCH

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is excited to welcome back Dr. Steve Druggan as head of school. Dr. Druggan previously led SCH from 2016 to 2022 and was reappointed by the Board of Trustees in June 2024. He brings a rare combination of global perspective and deep institutional knowledge, rooted in SCH’s history and aligned with its bold vision for the future.

He returns to Chestnut Hill after serving for three years as Superintendent at the American School of Dubai and brings extensive international experience from leadership roles at Jakarta Intercultural School, Munich International School, and the American School of Milan.

During his earlier tenure at SCH, Dr. Druggan oversaw the successful post-merger integration of Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy, establishing a unified mission and shared values through an inclusive, collaborative visioning process. He led a $34 million capital campaign to fund the McCausland Lower School and Commons, and guided the school community through the challenges of the pandemic with a steadfast commitment to academic integrity and in-person learning. Other notable milestones under his leadership include the launch of the highly successful Early Childhood Center, the founding of the Horizons summer program (now in its fifth year), the joining of the Independent School Teaching Fellows program, and significant achievements in the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL).

Known for his active and approachable leadership style, Dr. Druggan has long demonstrated deep care for students and strong partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and families—relationships that define his commitment to the SCH community.

Dr. Druggan holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from United States International University, and a Principal’s Certification from The College of New Jersey. He earned his Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He is a longtime facilitator with the Principals’ Training Center, a board member of the Community Partnership School, a former board member of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), and has served as a keynote and TEDx speaker.

Reflecting on his return, Dr. Druggan shared: “I have experienced firsthand the unique position SCH holds in Philadelphia. Our storied campus welcomes students from across the region, allowing them to experience centuries-old traditions while simultaneously creating the future through strong academics and unique programs such as CEL and Robotics. I look forward to working with the extended SCH community to chart an exciting future for one of the Inter-Ac’s most venerable institutions.”

Outside of school, Dr. Druggan enjoys spending time in the mountains or on the river, reading, and honing his pizza-making skills. He returns to Philadelphia with his wife, Pia. They have two adult sons.