Kristen Waterfield never set out to replicate what already existed—she set out to raise the bar. As founder of The Malvern School, she built more than an early childhood education system; she established a model where academic rigor meets genuine care, and where every child is seen as a capable, curious learner from the very start.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with a question few were asking: Why wasn’t early education treated with the same seriousness as other academic levels? Waterfield recognized that the first five years of life are foundational, not only for learning but for lifelong social and emotional development. Rather than waiting for change, she created it. With two schools in Malvern and Frazer, Pennsylvania, she launched a vision that would become one of the most recognized and respected private preschool programs in the region.
As a Titan 100 Honoree, Waterfield represents what it means to be a transformative leader in a space too often overlooked. She has redefined early learning as a critical, respected discipline—integrating certified teachers, a custom curriculum and a learning environment grounded in compassion and excellence. Her philosophy is clear: children deserve more than care—they deserve a foundation for the future.
Looking toward the next five years, Waterfield sees The Malvern School expanding its impact through innovation and advocacy. She envisions deepening the school’s curriculum to include an even greater emphasis on social-emotional learning and equity-focused education. But her goals are not limited to expansion in size; they are grounded in a continued commitment to building schools that reflect the needs of modern families and dynamic learners.
Waterfield’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Under her guidance, The Malvern School has earned accreditation, launched community partnerships, and become a thought leader in early education reform. Yet, the accomplishment she is most proud of isn’t found in awards or enrollment figures—it’s in the moments when a child confidently expresses an idea, when a teacher discovers their potential, and when families say they feel heard and supported.
Asked what skill she’d most like to master, Waterfield points to policy development. She understands that to truly reshape the educational landscape, one must influence the systems that govern it. Her focus on shaping state and national conversations around early education funding, access and standards reflects her broader mission: to ensure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to start strong.
What sets Waterfield apart is her belief that high expectations and high warmth are not mutually exclusive—they are essential partners. Her leadership has never been about following industry norms, but about creating new ones rooted in respect, innovation and purpose.
With a steady hand and a bold heart, Waterfield continues to elevate what early education can and should be. Through The Malvern School, she has shown that when children are given the right start, there is no limit to what they can achieve—and no limit to how far an inspired leader can take them.
