Will Waldman, Principal / Overview

I am beginning my ninth year as the principal of Smart's Mill Middle School and I am still in awe of the exceptional students, parents, and professional educators that make our school an excellent place to teach and learn. Our team continues to move forward in creating an environment where are students are challenged and supported each day. Additionally, we work to implement supports beyond the curriculum to ensure that address the needs of the "Whole Child." Smart's Mill has been awarded the designation of School To Watch for the fourth time this past year. It is through the hard work of our staff and supports in place for students that allow us to continually earn this recognition.

I believe that we are truly an exceptional learning environment, but there is always room for improvement.  This commitment to improvement is one of our four core commitments: Instruction; Improvement; Community; and People. It is these commitments that guide us in everything that we do so that our students are constantly engaged and challenged, our staff is continually growing as professionals, and our parents and community know that the learning environment at Smart's is nothing short of exceptional.

The students, staff, administration, and parents are all welcome to provide input as we build upon that framework to create greater communication, greater collaboration, and greater rigor in an environment that is developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable.

My History

I came to Smart’s Mill in the spring of 2011 from Sterling Middle School where I was one of the two assistant principals. Before that, I was a dean at Belmont Ridge Middle School, and I started my career in Loudoun teaching at Seneca Ridge Middle School where I primarily taught Civics and History. In total, I have over twenty years of experience either in the classroom or as an administrator, all of which has been in middle school. I have earned degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and originally aspired to be a lawyer or work in the criminal justice field. However, I married a teacher and she was the catalyst that started me down the road to a becoming an educator. I received my Master’s in Middle Level education from James Madison University and began my teaching career immediately after graduation. While teaching I began coursework on my second Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision. I truly love being in education, and especially education at the middle school.

I have been married to my wife for 24 years, and I have two daughters. My eldest daughter is a Senior at Waynesburg University studying to become a nurse and my youngest is a tenth grader at Woodgrove High School. Our entire family is involved in volleyball either as players, coaches, or spectators. We love going to the beach, and really like roller coasters! The whole family has been fans of the Washington Capitals for years, and we could not be happier that our Caps are now in possession of Lord Stanley's Cup! This summer, my wife and I helped to chaperone a group of 46 students and parents to France, Monoco, and Italy. It was a fantastic opportunity for us all, and an incredible learning experience.

As a parent of students that attend (or have gradutated from) Loudoun County Public Schools, I know the quality of education that they receive is impressive, but it is only as good as the support my wife and I give our children. As a parent and as a principal I support all of my kids (both at home and at school) in their academics, social/behavioral growth, and extracurricular activities, and I wouldn't have it any other way.





  If you would like to contact me via email, please use: will.waldman@lcps.org.

Last Modified on January 21, 2020