Christopher Wheeler, headmaster of Tower Hill School, has resigned after a criminal investigation was launched.
According to multiple reports, an e-mail e to parents at the private school said the Delaware Attorney General’s office was involved and searched Wheeler’s office and home.
No charges have been filed. The investigation reportedly involves child abuse, with a search conducted at his office and home.
Delawareonline.com reported that Wheeler, after meeting with the board of the school, resigned and vacated his home at the school, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Attorney General’s office issued the following:
“The Attorney General’s Office and Wilmington Police Department are conducting an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct by Christopher Wheeler. We have no further comment about the facts of the investigation at this time. Anyone with information to provide to detectives should contact dojvictimcontact@state.de.us or call 1-800-870-1790.”
The school is located off Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington. It has been listed as one of the 50 top schools in the U.S. It is well known for preparing students for Ivy League universities. Student range from age 3 through high school.
Wheeler became headmaster at the end of 2004.
According to his blog, Wheeler began his career in 1884 in St. Paul’s School in Garden City, N.Y. as a music teacher, coach and dorm advisor. He also served for 14 years in various roles at Lake Forest Academy in an affluent area near Chicago. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and masters and doctorate degrees in music composition from SUNY Stony Brook.
Wheeler is an instrument-rated private pilot.
Tower Hill was founded in 1919 by members of the DuPont family, who after deciding to keep the company headquartered in Delaware, saw the need to improve private education in the state. Other family members focused on the public system.
Famous alumni include DuPont Co. CEO Ellen Kullman, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, former Cong. Mike Castle and physician /TV show host Dr. Oz.
