High Meadows School, an independent, International Baccalaureate® (IB) school focused on child-centered education for students in preschool through eighth grade, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa Baker as Head of School and Camp effective July 1, 2020. She will lead planning and programming, community building, financial management, attracting and developing faculty and staff, stewardship of the 42-acre campus, and ultimately carrying out the High Meadows mission.
A specially formed search committee and the High Meadows Board of Trustees selected Baker unanimously because of her commitment to progressive education, student voice and choice, and a strong understanding of the school’s mission and educational philosophy. She has more than 30 years of experience in schools including leadership experience in several independent schools.
“It is an honor to be asked to serve as the next Head of School for High Meadows School and Camp. High Meadows has a rich, nearly 50-year history and remarkable commitment to creating an environment where students thrive and where their natural sense of wonder and curiosity is fueled. Joining this school family of passionate learners and inquisitive minds is a remarkable opportunity for which I am deeply grateful.”
Baker currently serves as Head of Upper School at Bancroft School in Worchester, Mass. She is a visionary and charismatic leader. Recently she co-chaired on the Strategic Planning Team and launched the Social Justice and Equity Task Force. Additionally, she has collaborated closely with the Board. Baker began her career in education as a middle school teacher and coach and did the practicum for her counseling degree in a middle school setting. She began her path to educational leadership as the Camp Director at Camp Greenway at The Madeira School in McLean, Va.
“When we embarked on the journey to find a new head of school and camp, we asked the High Meadows community for input about the kind of leader we were looking for, and the feedback we received was very thoughtful and consistent,” says Javier Estrella, chair of the head of school search committee and vice-chair of the High Meadows Board of Trustees. “Lisa Baker is an experienced independent school leader who identifies as an educator and celebrates childhood and child-centered learning, both highly-regarded values of High Meadows. We believe she embodies our values and are confident she will lead our faculty, staff, and the entire school and camp community to a bright future.”
Baker looks forward to moving with her family to the Atlanta area. She is passionate about giving back to the community. She and her extended family form the number one National Family Team for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Together they have raised more than $4M for the organization.
About High Meadows School: Established in 1973 and located on more than 40 wooded acres in Roswell, Ga., High Meadows School is an independent, International Baccalaureate® (IB) school focused on progressive education for students age three through eighth grade. The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen. High Meadows is located at 1055 Willeo Road in Roswell, Ga. More information about High Meadows can be found at www.highmeadows.org, on Twitter @HighMeadowsGA and Facebook.
