Gladwyne Montessori Board of Trustees Announces New Head of School Appointment
Gladwyne, PA - Following a comprehensive and extensive search process, Gladwyne Montessori’s Board of Trustees has announced that the next Head of School of Gladwyne Montessori will be Hadley Ruggles. Hadley will begin her new role at Gladwyne Montessori on July 1, 2022.
Ms. Ruggles is the product of a Montessori school education and brings with her many years of comprehensive leadership experience gained in the independent school arena, most recently as Head of the BASIS Independent School in Brooklyn, NY. Under her steadfast leadership, she helped to grow the school from 150 students to over 900 (across pre-K to Grade 12) and led a team of over 100 teachers and staff.
Prior to this, Ms. Ruggles was entrusted by BASIS Independent to open and be the Founding Head of the first private, tuition-based school within the BASIS network in San Jose, CA, which was the second largest private school opening in American history. Ms. Ruggles also served as the Head of BASIS Scottsdale in Arizona from 2012 to 2014.
“The entire Gladwyne Montessori family should be proud that Hadley has accepted this prestigious appointment. Her leadership and experience will help the institution continue to grow and advance as the premier progressive school in the Greater Philadelphia region for infants through sixth grade,” said Anup Kharode, Chair of Gladwyne Montessori’s Board of Trustees.
“I am thrilled to join Gladwyne Montessori’s joyful, inquisitive, and warm community,” Hadley Ruggles said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the Gladwyne Montessori community and partnering with each of you as we carry Gladwyne Montessori’s mission and essential values forward for the next generation of life-long learners.”
Hadley holds a B.A. in Religious Studies (with a Minor in Slavic Languages and Literature) from the University of Kansas, an M.S. in Education, and an M.A. in English Literature from Northwestern University. Hadley is currently enrolled in the Doctoral program in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Hadley plans to visit Gladwyne Montessori in the spring and looks forward to getting to know members of the Gladwyne Montessori community while working closely with the Board of Trustees, Carrie Kries, Gwen Shangle, and other faculty and staff throughout the transition period.
About Gladwyne Montessori: Since 1962, Gladwyne Montessori has provided children with an education guided by the time-tested and visionary insights of Dr. Maria Montessori and the ever-evolving world of contemporary research. Their vibrant and academically-stimulating programs develop curious and confident students who are well-prepared to serve as responsible citizens of the greater community. The Montessori education process is based on the understanding that learning is predicated upon the basic human urge to explore. Many of the skills identified as being essential for success today such as initiative, self-direction, creativity, innovation, and social responsibility have always been prominent focuses of the Montessori philosophy and are what Gladwyne Montessori strives to develop in all students.
Search Committee Members
Ashley Govberg, Chair
Trustee, Prior Parent
Stefanie Langer, Prior Board Chair, Trustee, Prior Parent
Leahann Iannotta, Board Secretary, Current Parent
Matthew Heil, Trustee, Prior Parent
Scott Gregorchuk, Trustee, Prior Parent
Jason Brown, Trustee Emeritus, Prior Parent
Dalip Puri, Prior Parent
Gretchen Sprafke, Prior Parent
Rose Follmer, Current Faculty Member