Welcome from Principal Samantha Headley

Welcome to Morse Elementary School!

Established in 1891, the Morse School serves children and families from every Cambridge neighborhood and from over 40 different countries. We nurture our student’s curiosity and intellectual skills, as well as their healthy social and emotional development. Morse School families, teachers, and staff members work together to foster a sense of safety and belonging and to support students in developing an appreciation for people with different origins, identities, beliefs and learning styles. Our goal is to promote a sense of community, where all adults and children feel respected and appreciated. This value has led us to work towards becoming an antiracist school; we are actively taking steps towards identifying and dismantling racist structures, hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, and striving to achieve an equitable and just educational experience for all students.

Like many Morse School families and staff members, my journey has led me to Cambridge. Raised in Toronto by Sri Lankan parents, I am a first generation immigrant and a proud dual citizen of both the United States and Canada. Following my undergraduate studies at Queen’s University, I moved to Cambridge and fell in love with the city, which I found to have the diversity and vibrance of Toronto but on a smaller, more intimate scale. After completing my Master's in Education at Harvard University in 2002, I began working at the Morse School as a first grade teacher. I later became the literacy coach before becoming the assistant principal in 2016.

As the Principal of the Morse School, my core values as an educator and a longtime member of this community remain steadfast. First and foremost, I believe in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment where children from all backgrounds enjoy a safe, nurturing, and joyful experience. I am committed to promoting equity and ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. Collaboration and open communication are also essential to me, as it is my great privilege to work alongside educators and families who are committed to creating and sustaining a strong school partnership that enhances student success. Finally, I am dedicated to continuous growth and improvement, both for myself and for the school as a whole, as we strive to provide the best possible education for our students.

Many exciting things are happening at the Morse School and it is with great enthusiasm that I invite you to consider joining our welcoming school community!