Alta Vista School is delighted to welcome Joseph McCann as their Chief Finance and Operations Officer. Joe most recently served as the Director of Operations for the San Francisco-based Pledge 1%, and was previously the Director of Finance for Phalen Leadership Academies, a nonprofit network of elementary, middle, and high schools.
Founded in 2010 as an inquiry-based STEAM program, Alta Vista School enrolls over 300 students in two locations—the Portola campus for grades JK-5, and the Mission campus for grades 6-8. The Alta Vista community prepares students to thrive as creative thinkers, innovators, and catalysts for positive change in the world.
Alta Vista School is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Cousins as their next Head of School. Rob comes to Alta Vista School from New York's Ethical Culture Fieldston School, where he has served as Principal since 2012. He was previously Head of the Lower School at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School.
Founded in 2010 as an inquiry-based STEAM program, Alta Vista School has grown to serve approximately 320 students in JK-grade 5 on the Portola neighborhood campus and grades 6-8 on the Mission campus.
The California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC) is pleased to announce that Lauren Benjamin will serve as their next Northern California Director, beginning in July 2024. Lauren, a multidisciplinary artist and educator, comes to CATDC from Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, CA, where she is currently the Assistant Principal of Mission and Culture.
The California Teacher Development Collaborative is committed to supporting and enriching the professional lives of local educators. The CATDC team elevates teacher-leaders and administrators by giving them a platform to share their passion and expertise, connecting independent schools across California.
Childpeace Montessori School is delighted to announce that Marja Brandon will be their next Head of School. Marja has been the Head of a number of independent schools, including Seattle Girls’ School, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Woodland School, and, most recently, Beacon Academy in Evanston, IL.
Currently enrolling over 270 students in grades PK-8, the unwavering commitment to excellence in Montessori education is central to the Childpeace Montessori School community. Childpeace shapes the future of our world through the cultivation of inquisitive minds and socially responsible young citizens.
Colledge is delighted to announce that Andy Losier will be their inaugural Director of Admission Services. Andy has been at Francis Parker School in San Diego, CA, since 2017, serving in a number of roles including Director of College Counseling, Interim Associate Head of Upper School, and 10th Grade Dean.
Colledge offers individualized, one-on-one counseling aimed at helping students and families find the best right-fit colleges for them. A remote organization based in southern California, Colledge provides guidance in all aspects of the college search and application processes.
Colorado Academy is pleased to announce that Kate McDonnell will be the school’s next Director of Advancement. Kate comes to Colorado Academy from Denver’s Rocky Mountain Public Media, where she currently serves as Vice President for Philanthropy.
Situated on a stunning campus at the foot of the Rockies, Colorado Academy is an independent day school serving over 1,030 students. It is one of only a few independent schools in the Denver metro area with a PK-12 configuration, a key element of the school’s identity and ethos.
Colorado Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nichols “Nick” Malick as their next Middle School Principal, starting in July 2023. Nick has been the Middle School Head at Town School for Boys in San Francisco since 2018.
Situated on a stunning campus at the foot of the Rockies, Colorado Academy is an independent day school in southwest Denver serving over 1,030 students in grades PK-12 from across the Denver metropolitan area. Colorado Academy’s mission is to create curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners and leaders.
The Crowden School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dan Meyers as their next Head of School. He comes to the Crowden School from Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek, CA, where he currently serves as the Head of Middle School.
The Crowden School (TCS) is a small, co-educational, independent day school serving grades 3 through 8. TCS provides students in their foundational stages with excellent musical and academic teaching within a supportive school environment.
Curtis School is delighted to announce the appointment of Haruka Mori as their next Director of Lower Elementary, leading Developmental Kindergarten through Grade 2. Haruka joins Curtis School from Far Brook School in Short Hills, NJ, where she currently serves as the Director of Lower School.
Curtis School is an independent, co-educational day school serving nearly 500 students in developmental kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-6. Since its establishment in 1925, the mission of Curtis School has been “to develop, in every child, a sound mind in a sound body governed by a compassionate heart.”
Foothill Country Day School (FCDS) is pleased to announce that Shane Guilbert-Neal will be their permanent Upper School Director. Shane has been the FCDS Upper School Dean of Students since 2019, and served as Interim Upper School Director for the 2022-23 school year.
Nestled in a 7-acre campus with beautiful grounds and impressive facilities, Foothill Country Day School is a PK-8, co-educational, independent day school that builds a foundation of character and academic excellence by meeting children where they are.
Fountain Valley School is delighted to welcome Megan Harlan as their next Head of School. Prior to joining the Fountain Valley School community, Megan was the Assistant Head of School at Groton School in Groton, MA.
Fountain Valley School is a co-educational, independent college preparatory school that offers day and boarding programs for students in grades 9-12. FVS is located on a stunning 1,100-acre campus situated on the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver.
Francis Parker School is thrilled to announce that Tyler Fereira will be their next Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance. He comes to Francis Parker from the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York, where he has been the Director of Admissions for the Middle and Upper Schools since 2016.
Francis Parker School is San Diego’s oldest and largest independent, non-denominational, co-educational day school. Located on two campuses near the University of San Diego, Francis Parker School serves over 1300 students in grades JK-12.
The French International School of Oregon is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Sandgren as their next Admissions Director. Kate has served in the Admissions Office of the French International School of Oregon since 2010.
The French International School of Oregon is the longest-established language immersion school in Portland, and the only IB school in Portland for students in grades PK-8. The school serves 560 students and is accredited by the French Ministry of National Education, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School is pleased to announce that Scott Root has been selected as their next Head of School. Scott previously worked as the Director of School Operations for Quality Schools International (QSI), overseeing the operations and initiatives of all 36 QSI schools in 26 countries.
Located on two church-affiliated campuses 28 miles north of San Francisco, Good Shepherd Lutheran School serves approximately 250 co-educational students in grades PK-8 and offers a rich academic program rooted in the inclusive values of the Lutheran Church.
Head-Royce School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Molly Donovan as their next Director of Annual Giving. Molly comes to Head-Royce from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY, where she has served as a Development Officer and Senior Manager for Fundraising Events since 2018.
Head-Royce School is a diverse K-12, independent, all-gender, college preparatory day school of 900 students that offers a challenging and transformative program to educate the whole child. For over 135 years, the school has offered outstanding academic and co-curricular programs.
Head-Royce School is delighted to announce that Johnny Avots-Smith will be their next Director of Advancement. Johnny is currently the Chief Financial and Development Officer for Letterform Archive, a non-profit museum and special collections library in San Francisco, where he has worked since 2016.
Head-Royce School is a K-12, independent, all-gender college preparatory day school of 900 students that offers a challenging and transformative program to educate the whole child. Head-Royce inspires in its students a lifelong love of learning, a respect for diversity, and a commitment to global citizenship.
Hillbrook School enthusiastically welcomes Charlotte Burkly as their new Director of College Counseling. Charlotte’s career in admissions began at Columbia Business School where she served as the Assistant Director of Admissions, followed by the Assistant Dean of Admissions at Princeton University. She also brings experience in Independent Schools from her time at University School in Ohio, serving as the Associate Director of College Counseling. In addition, Charlotte has served as the Faculty Head of McCarraher House for the past three years, advising students, overseeing prefects, and participating in the Student Life Committee. Charlotte earned a B.A. in Chinese at Colgate University and an M.S in Science Education from CUNY at City College. She also holds an M.A. in Higher and Post-Secondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Founded in 1935, Hillbrook School is an independent PreK-8th grade school located on a 14-acre campus in Los Gatos, CA. Currently home to 360 students, a new Upper School will open in the Fall of 2023, located in downtown San Jose, a perfect location for older students to stretch their wings and gain independence. Hillbrook’s simple and compelling vision is to inspire children to achieve their dreams and reach beyond themselves to make a difference in the world.
Idyllwild Arts Academy is thrilled to announce Jason Hallowbard as their new Head of School. Jason comes to Idyllwild Arts Academy from the Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he has served as Vice Provost for Academic and Artistic Education since 2017.
The Idyllwild Arts Academy is the first independent boarding high school for the arts in the western United States. The Academy provides pre-professional training in the arts and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum to a diverse student body of 300 gifted young artists.
Le Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Grogan as their next Chief Financial Officer. Erin has an extensive background in finance and is currently the CFO of the San Francisco-based Webinar.net. She previously served in leadership roles at IFTTT and YouCaring Dot Com.
An international school located on three campuses in the Bay Area, the Lycée Français de San Francisco provides a rigorous, high quality, multilingual education to approximately 900 students in grades PK-12. The school’s unique program is accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
Marin Academy is thrilled to announce that Lynn Schweber will be their next Director of College Counseling. Lynn comes to Marin Academy from St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, TX, where she has been the Director of College Counseling since 2017.
Located on 11 acres just north of San Francisco, Marin Academy is a co-educational day school serving nearly 450 students in grades 9-12. Since its founding in 1971, MA has been a forward-looking school, and has long been a leader in progressive education.
Marin Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Harrison Shure as their next Dean of Academics. Harrison comes to Marin Academy from the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT, where he currently serves as the Assistant Head of School and Dean of Academics.
Located in San Rafael, CA, just north of San Francisco, Marin Academy is a co-educational day school serving students in grades 9-12. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching and learning, competency-based education, and equity and inclusion.
Milken Community School is excited to have Elliot Shavalian join their community as their next Director of College Counseling and Academic Planning. Elliot began his career as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission at Yeshiva University, and later held the same position at the University of Southern California, where he served as an expert on the college admission process. For the past four years, Elliot has been with Shalhevet High School in Los Angeles, serving first as the Associate Director and later Director of College Counseling and Academic Guidance. Elliot earned both a B.A. in Psychology and an A.A. in Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University, and an M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Milken Community School is a private Jewish school for 750 students in grades 6-12. It is located in the Bel Air area of Los Angeles. It is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the United States. Milken has an unparalleled commitment to truly getting to know their students, teaching them that they are incredibly capable, and instilling in them the imperative of being ethically responsible.
The Montessori School of Maui (MOMI) is delighted to announce the appointment of John Carlstroem as their next Head of School. John has thirty years of professional experience in education, administration, nonprofit management, and fundraising, and has been the Head of School at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley, CA since 2005.
The Montessori School of Maui is the largest toddler-through-grade-8 Montessori school in the state of Hawai`i, with 240 students. The MOMI community enjoys a lovely 9-acre “living classroom” campus that takes full advantage of its more rural and agricultural environment on the Northwest slopes of the Haleakalā volcano.
Nativity High School is thrilled to announce that Marisela Miranda will serve as their Founding Head of School. Marisela currently serves as the Vice Principal at Stella Maris Academy in San Francisco, CA, where she has worked since 2021. Prior to joining Stella Maris, she was at St. Monica Academy in Montrose, CA, for 12 years.
Nativity was formed in November 2022 as a result of the community’s desire for a Classical Catholic high school for the students of Stella Maris and other Catholic families in the city. Nativity is an independent Catholic school but is formally recognized and supported by the Archdiocese of San Francisco.
Notre Dame High School in Belmont, California is pleased to welcome Meredith Essalat as their next Head of School. Meredith leaves Mission Dolores Academy, having served as their Principal for five years and most recently Head of School since 2021. Prior to her role at Mission Dolores, Meredith taught middle school language arts and was the middle school dean of academic curriculum at Nativity School in Menlo Park, CA. She also is the author of the popular book, The Overly Honest Teacher: Parenting Advice from the Classroom, which was released in 2020. Meredith has a twenty-year track record within California in academic administration, student development, marketing, and alumni relations. She holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, both from American College of Education, and a B.A. in Mass Communication from Menlo College. Meredith attended Notre Dame Belmont, graduating with the class of 1998.
Notre Dame Belmont, founded in 1851, is an independent, Catholic, college-prep school for girls. Situated on nearly 11 acres in Belmont, California with an approximate enrollment of 400 students, the school promotes justice and peace in an environment that fosters academic excellence, Gospel values, and mutual respect. Dedicated to the educational mission of St. Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDB is a caring and compassionate community committed to developing responsible young women of active faith, strong intellect, and Christian leadership.
Nueva School is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lauren Pool as their next Director of Teaching and Learning. Lauren comes to Nueva School from Jakarta Intercultural School, where she has served in a number of roles since 2013, including most recently as High School Principal.
Located on two campuses in the Bay Area—grades PK-8 on the Hillsborough campus and 9-12 on the San Mateo campus—Nueva School is a leader in the field of gifted education, offering its 967 students a dynamic educational experience grounded in a caring and compassionate community.
Oregon Episcopal School is thrilled to announce Michael Spencer as their next Head of School, effective July 2023. Michael currently serves as Vice Rector for Faculty (Assistant Head of School) at St. Paul's School in Concord, NH. Michael began his career working at Tabor Academy as teacher, dorm supervisor, advisor and coach. He spent his summers at St. Paul's School where he served as teacher and Chaplain. Continuing on to Taft School, he served 10 years as school Chaplain and dean of spiritual life and as founder and director of the Humanities curriculum leading the Philosophy, Religion, English, and Ethics program before returning to St. Paul's. Michael earned his A.B. in philosophy/classics, magna cum laude, from the College of the Holy Cross. He also received his Master of Divinity, summa cum laude, from Yale Divinity School. He subsequently earned a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, completing coursework for the Master of Sacred Theology. Michael also holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Oregon Episcopal School is an independent, college preparatory school serving nearly 880 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, including approximately 60 boarding students from around the world in Grades 9-12. Situated on a beautiful 59-acre campus in Southwest Portland, OES offers a true liberal arts curriculum that strives to help each individual reach their fullest potential. As the oldest Episcopal school west of the Rockies, OES values developing the spirit as well as the mind. The school welcomes all beliefs and students leave with the ability to realize their power for good as citizens of local and world communities.
Presidio Knolls School is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Roadcap as their next Chief Finance & Operations Officer. After a 25-year history in the corporate sector, Larry made the move to the education sector in 2020, working as the Chief Financial Officer for the Jewish Community High School of the Bay and, most recently, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.
Presidio Knolls School is a co-educational, PK-8, progressive Mandarin immersion school located in the heart of the Presidio in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, the school has expanded in its first 15 years from 35 students to 400 students.
Riverstone International School is thrilled to announce that John Gasparini will be their next Head of School. John comes to Riverstone from Branksome Hall Asia in Jeju Island, South Korea, where he served as the Founding Middle School Head and Deputy Principal for Strategic Growth.
Riverstone International School is home to approximately 400 students in grades PK-12, with a small boarding program for students in grades 9-12. Riverstone is one of a small number of schools in the U.S. authorized to offer all three International Baccalaureate curricular programs.
San Diego French-American School (SDFAS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Isabelle David as their next Head of School. Isabelle comes to SDFAS from the French-American School of Chicago, where she has served as Director since 2012.
San Diego French-American School is a bilingual, independent, co-educational day school for 375 students in grades PK-8. SDFAS offers a dual immersion program that blends the French and American curricula and educational styles, in which students study all subjects in French and English.
San Francisco Friends School is delighted to announce Patrice Wakeley as their inaugural Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging. Patrice comes to SFFS from Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, CA, where she currently serves as Director of Equity and Belonging.
San Francisco Friends School educates children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 in the tradition of Quaker learning. As one of two Quaker schools west of the Mississippi, SFFS is distinctive amongst independent schools in the Bay Area and Friends schools nationally.
San Francisco Friends School is delighted to announce the appointment of Veronique Kessler as their incoming Chief Finance and Operations Officer. Veronique has been the Chief Financial Officer at the Galloway School in Atlanta, GA for the past eleven years.
At San Francisco Friends School, 435 students in grades K-8 learn in a community grounded in the Quaker values of reflection, peaceful problem-solving, and stewardship.
San Francisco University High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Thomas as their next Athletic Director. Anthony has served as Director of Athletics at a number of independent schools throughout California, including the Branson School, Convent & Stuart Hall, and, currently, Francis Parker School.
Situated in an idyllic location lined with historic architecture and just a short distance from the Bay, San Francisco University High School (UHS) is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school for 450 students in grades 9-12.
San Francisco University High School (UHS) is delighted to announce that Kate Garrett, who has served as Interim Director of College Counseling for the 2022-23 school year, will be the Permanent Director of College Counseling starting in July 2023. She has been a member of the UHS community since 1995, as a teacher, Academic Dean, and Associate Director of College Counseling.
San Francisco University High School is an independent, college preparatory school for grades 9-12. The school’s 450 students come from nearly 50 different zip codes to be part of a transformative community that empowers individuals to invent and sustain their own vision of success and sense of purpose, while also prioritizing wellness and self-care.
Servite High School is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Walswick as their new President. Stephen has served as Servite’s Principal since 2021, and as Interim President since December 2022. He was previously Servite’s Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Educational Technology from 2015-2018, before becoming Principal of Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, TX.
Located on a 15-acre campus, Servite High School is a Catholic preparatory school for 800 young men in grades 9-12. Servite offers a world-class curriculum and forms faith-filled leaders with the knowledge, character, and wisdom they will need for success in college and life.
St. Francis High School is thrilled to announce that Tracy Traver will be their next Principal, effective July 1, 2023. Tracy has worked at St. Francis since 2007, as an English teacher, department chair, and most recently as Dean of Studies.
Founded in 1946 by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, St. Francis High School is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young men in grades 9-12. Throughout its history, the school has encouraged students to strive for excellence without arrogance and live a life of goodness and virtue that is consistent with humility, service, and Catholic values.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is delighted to announce that Amy Roberts will be their next Upper School Principal. Amy most recently worked at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, CO, where she served as Associate Head of School, Director of the HMI Semester Program, and Interim Head of School.
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (SMES) is an independent, co-educational day school serving over 1200 students in grades PK-12, with nearly 500 in the Upper School. SMES provides a college-preparatory program dedicated to educating the hearts and minds of their students and nurturing the whole child.
The Bush School is thrilled to announce that Robert “Rob” Blackwell will be their next Middle School Director. Rob has served as the Middle School Assistant Director at Seattle's Lakeside School since 2019, and was previously the Middle School Head at Woodlawn School in Mooresville, NC.
Located in Seattle’s charming Madison Valley neighborhood, the Bush School is the only independent school in the Seattle area offering a K-12 education on a single campus. Bush enrolls 715 students total, with 190 in the Middle School.
Valley Beth Shalom Day School (VBSDS) is thrilled to announce that Kimberly Schwartz will be their next Head of School. Kimberly has been at the Milken Community School in Los Angeles, CA since 2008. She is currently the school's Chief Curriculum and Program Officer and previously served in numerous other roles, including Dean of Students and Upper School Principal.
Co-located on a campus with a Conservative Jewish synagogue and a thriving Early Childhood Center run by the synagogue, Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is a co-educational school of about 200 students in grades K-6. The school welcomes students and families from all levels of Jewish observance.
Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurence “Larry” Kutler as their Interim Head of School for the 2023-24 school year. Larry most recently served as the Interim Head of Tucson Hebrew Academy, and was previously the Head of Herzliah High School in Montreal, Quebec.
Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School (VBSDS) shares its campus with Valley Beth Shalom synagogue and a preschool operated by the synagogue. VBSDS is a co-educational, Conservative Jewish school of approximately 200 students in grades K-6.
Westside School is delighted to announce that Chay Dixon will be their next Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. Chay has been at the Academy for Precision Learning in Seattle, WA since 2019, serving as the school’s Lower School Director and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
With just over 400 students, Westside School is recognized as West Seattle’s premier, accredited PK-grade 8 independent school program, helping students develop essential skills for the 21st century, including conceptual thinking, communication, and cooperation.