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Cobb Atkinson is Westchester Country Day’s new head of school. A 20-year educator, Atkinson is a product of independent schools and feels strongly about the benefits those schools can offer students.

“I think teaching children the ability to learn, to question, to be curious should be the first goal,” Atkinson said.

Independent schools aren’t beholden to the state, he said. Teachers are free to teach each child individually. And students are free to explore their interests and are given the help and attention they need to succeed. Students don’t get the same, prescribed education.

“It is a very extraordinary opportunity for a child,” Atkinson said.

He admires the work educators at public schools do but values the benefits of independent schools. “What we do, we can do exceptionally well,” he said.

The parent support at independent schools is different, too. Parents and students chose to attend that school, so parent involvement, which is important to education, is high. “It translates into an incredible opportunity,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson chose Westchester because of its culture of family, service and academic excellence.

“This is a pretty remarkable place,” Atkinson said. He said high expectations include behavior, character and service, which is a big part of the school’s culture.

A “nurturing, family environment” is encouraged and embraced at the school to help students succeed.

The school strives to provide a place where children feel comfortable and safe. In such an environment, students are “more able to tackle higher academic demands,” Atkinson said. “It puts kids in a position to succeed.”

It’s a place he and his wife, Raegan, would like their two children — Jamie, 7, and Mallory, 4, — to attend.

The head of school doesn’t have any plans to change anything at the school.

“Westchester is a strong school with a strong heritage,” he said. “It’s a mistake for a leader to go to a school that’s working well and try to change it.”

Atkinson’s career has been spent in independent schools teaching English and serving as an administrator. He learned that he loved to teach while a scuba instructor during college. “I found I was comfortable in the teaching role,” he said. “I fell into it. I really loved it.”

The Atkinson family has enjoyed getting to know High Point and the surrounding community. Atkinson said the community is already beginning to feel like home.

“We’re thrilled to be here,” he said. “I’m fortunate to land at a school of this caliber.”

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com