The Winston School occupies a unique place in the Southern
California educational world. Students who learn
differently and their parents have a long tradition of
looking to The Winston School for the help they need to
become successful independent learners, ready to contribute
richly to the world beyond our walls.
-Mike Peterson Headmaster
Headmaster
Mike Peterson became the Winston School's third headmaster
in July of 2005. He spent 24 years at The Field School in
Washington, DC teaching in an innovative program that
allowed students with learning differences to succeed in a
mainstream college preparatory program and thrive in the
arts. His chief responsibilities included supervising the
curriculum and instruction at Field and hiring its
outstanding faculty.
As an English and history teacher and department head, then
later as a dean of faculty and associate director, Mike
helped lead Field through significant institutional change,
including its first accreditation, its first strategic plan,
the first major school anniversary celebration and the move
and expansion of its educational program to a new campus.
A native of Massachusetts and a product of the public
schools, Mike attended Williams College where he earned his
BA in Political Science in 1981. He completed his Masters
in English and the Teaching of Writing at Georgetown
Universisty in 1986. Mike lives with his wife Lois, his
six-year old daughter and his three-year old son in San
Diego.
Mike Peterson became the Winston School's third headmaster
in July of 2005. He spent 24 years at The Field School in
Washington, DC teaching in an innovative program that
allowed students with learning differences to succeed in a
mainstream college preparatory program and thrive in the
arts. His chief responsibilities included supervising the
curriculum and instruction at Field and hiring its
outstanding faculty.
