Brightworks Blog

Brightworks is a flurry of activity and we are thrilled to share peeks into the lives of the students, our school and the community.

Follow along on social media too!

While we are out on summer break our buildings are still a hive of activities! @tinkeringschool is already in full session and they will keep it going with their summer classes through August 8th! While these teasers cover the Big Builds they are pl
Let's celebrate our 8th grade graduates this year! While all of our learners got a heartfelt recognition for all their accomplishments and contributions at our last day of school, we do want to especially celebrate our 8th grade graduates! Some o
We kicked off Pride Month by inviting Drag Queen, storyteller and author Lil Miss Hot Mess, @lilmisshotmess to read from her own work! And our kids loved it! Take a peak at these cute snippets and see what this playful and imaginary approach can do
We love to see our middle schoolers providing support to our elementary students in a joint effort to share about their current project work! And we are very excited to see these kind of cross age interactions being so beneficial to all participants!
What is happening around Gever's desk? Take a look at these snippets and imagine the rich culture of learning we work to cultivate on a daily basis! At the heart of our teaching philosophy is the belief that developing students' agency is vital t
When our Middle Schoolers go camping they always return with an epic experience! This time they visited Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and The Robert Ferguson Observatory for some night time star gazing, studies of native & indigenous plants, memor
This majestic visitor was spotted right in our parking lot this afternoon— a reminder that at Brightworks, nature isn’t a field trip, it’s our everyday backdrop. Nestled in the heart of the Presidio, Brightworks students explore tr
Activities, admissions, brightworks, Community, DEI, Early Elementary, exploration, Learning, P&P sfbrightworks Activities, admissions, brightworks, Community, DEI, Early Elementary, exploration, Learning, P&P sfbrightworks

Welcome to our New Head of School

Dear Brightworks Community,

Michlene Cotter, Brightworks incoming Head of School for 2025/26

As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful for your support, resilience, and commitment to our school. Today, we’re thrilled to share some joyful news: Michlene Cotter has been named our new Head of School.

Michlene brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator, leader, and parent—and she’s no stranger to Brightworks. Over the past six years, she has served as a Collaborator, Director of Community & Belonging, and most recently, Assistant Head of School. Her deep understanding of our pedagogy, heart-centered leadership, and bold vision make her uniquely suited to guide Brightworks into its next chapter.

Throughout her career at Brightworks, Michlene has led meaningful initiatives in student wellness, academic innovation, DEIJ, faculty engagement, and parent education. She has played a central role in shaping our mission, vision, and values; developing our high school program; and cultivating a culture of belonging across our community.

Prior to her work with us, she co-founded Ka-Lo Academy in Oakland, a school without walls for self-directed learners, and she brings a wealth of experience in experiential and community-based education.

Michlene’s leadership is grounded in purpose and intentionality. She leads with compassion, clarity, and care—always centering student agency, staff wellbeing, and community connection. Her commitment to equity, inclusion, and neuro-affirming practices continues to evolve and strengthen Brightworks school culture. A powerful reflection of her trusted leadership – following her yearlong partnership with interim head of school, Dr. Sean Hamer –  is this year’s 100% staff retention!

As Head of School, Michlene will continue to work in close partnership with the Brightworks Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to uphold and hone our pedagogical vision, support our educators, and deepen connections across the Brightworks community. Together, we will continue to carry forward the vibrant, student-centered learning environment that makes Brightworks so special.

With Michlene at the helm, Brightworks is poised to grow in ways that honor who we are while reaching toward what’s possible. 

Please join us in warmly welcoming Michlene Cotter as our new Head of School.

We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead—grounded in community, curiosity, and courageous learning.

With gratitude and excitement,
The Brightworks Team

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