Brooke Giese has stepped into her new role as Rumsey Hall’s Head of School with a perspective shaped by two decades of teaching, mentoring, and leadership on campus. In this conversation, she reflects on the values that define Rumsey, the unique power of a Pre-K–9 community, and her hopes for the school’s future.
You’ve been a part of Rumsey for two decades, as a teacher, dorm parent, leader, and now Head of School. How have those many roles shaped your understanding of Rumsey and your hopes for what it can become?
Each of these roles has given me the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and staff in every facet of school life. That 360-degree perspective has helped me understand what makes Rumsey such a distinctive place. It’s a community where students are truly known, supported, and encouraged to grow.
At Rumsey, children aren’t reduced to room numbers or just another pair of cleats on the field. They are seen, heard, and loved. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in creating a safe, nurturing environment that inspires students to take risks, embrace challenges, and find their voice. My hope is to continue nurturing that spirit while also evolving to meet the changing needs of students and families.
Looking back on your earliest days here, what did you see then that still rings true now…and what has evolved?
From the beginning, it was clear that when families join Rumsey, they gain a team. That sense of partnership between school and home remains one of our greatest strengths. Parents provide their children with strong roots, and we’re honored to build on that foundation—walking alongside them, celebrating their victories, and supporting them through the challenges of growing up.
What’s evolved is the depth of our holistic support for students. Today we’re more intentional and better equipped to help them navigate everything from academic pressures and friendships to identity development and emotional growth. The journey is still beautifully messy—but now we have even more tools to walk through it with them.
Now that you’re officially stepping into the role of Head of School, how are you thinking about this next chapter, for yourself and for Rumsey?
What excites me most is the chance to build on Rumsey’s strong foundation while looking boldly toward the future. As a Pre-K–9 school, we are uniquely positioned to focus on what students need most in their formative years.
Our youngest students learn from the start that their voices matter, while our oldest students grow into role models who understand the responsibility of leadership. That dynamic creates a culture where all students are both learners and leaders. It’s inspiring to see a 9th grader guiding a Kindergarten student, or a middle schooler discovering their own confidence by helping others.
At Rumsey, middle schoolers aren’t lost in the shuffle—they’re the centerpiece of our community. Our faculty know how to balance rigor with compassion and structure with flexibility, creating space for students to thrive.
When you think about the future of Rumsey Hall, what possibilities excite you most?
I’m energized by the possibility within our close-knit, values-driven community. In a Pre-K-9 environment, students of all ages benefit from seeing, learning from, and leading one another. Our youngest students look up to the “big kids”, and our older students embrace the responsibility of being role models at a pivotal moment in their development.
Our faculty bring deep developmental expertise, especially in working with middle schoolers because they know the importance of positive personal relationships between young adolescents and adults and how to best balance rigor and support in helping children grow toward their potential. At a K-12, middle school can be a land of in-between that is lost in the shuffle, but here, it is the loftiest time for students.
Our small, close knit community allows for a sustained focus on values. Our School’s emphasis on Effort, Family, and Community continues to shape every aspect of the student experience. In the classroom, on the field, and in the community, our students develop an appreciation for the importance of hard work and practice in every aspect of their lives. This is a place where we know and care for one another like family. From community service efforts to student government initiatives, our students see how they can make a real difference in their world.
Junior boarding schools are rare and intentional spaces. What makes Rumsey’s approach to middle school uniquely powerful in your eyes?
What happens here is truly magical—not because of the buildings (though we’re proud of those), but because of the people.
Our faculty are deeply invested in our students. They’re here early in the morning and late into the evening. They see students at their best and in moments of struggle. They notice the subtle changes: the quiet confidence building over time, the homesick heart slowly adjusting, the lightbulb moment in class.
We are not just here to teach—we are here to know them.
And that’s what makes Rumsey unique. This is a place where students can take risks, try bold things, and make mistakes—safely. Where a 7th grader can lead a varsity team, or a 9th grader can direct a play, or a shy student can find the courage to sing a solo. They are supported by a community that lifts them up and challenges them to grow.
What does “preparing students for a remarkable future” mean to you?
At our core, we are bound together by shared values: Effort, Family, and Community. Preparing students for a remarkable future means helping them build the skills, confidence, and character they need to navigate the world with purpose.
Our 9th graders play a central role as leaders of the school, serving as table prefects, dorm reps, team captains, Student Government leaders, and more. They can take honors courses, participate in signature programs like MakerSpace Design, Civic Engagement, Social and Community Leadership, and the Arts, and set the tone for the entire school.
They do all of this in a community that helps them recognize their strengths, develop resilience, and understand their responsibility to others. Middle school is not a time to survive—it’s a time to thrive.
What leadership lesson took you the longest to learn and how has it shaped the way you lead today?
The leadership lesson that took me the longest to truly internalize is the power of patience and empathy. Early in my career, I sometimes defaulted to quick judgments or rigid expectations. But over the years, and especially through the experience of parenting, I’ve learned that leading effectively requires understanding, not just direction.
Parenting has a way of humbling you; it’s a role that can shake you to your core and challenge everything you thought you knew about resilience, communication, and care. It has taught me that everyone—whether a child, colleague, or team member—is navigating their own complexities. The older I get, the less judgmental I become, and the more I value offering grace, listening deeply, and meeting people where they are.
Today, I lead with the belief that growth is a shared journey, not a solitary climb. I see my role as creating a space where people feel supported and understood, much like the “village” it takes to raise a child. That shift in perspective has made me a more grounded, compassionate, and effective leader.
What brings you joy outside of school life?
I love hiking in the White Mountains and am about two-thirds of the way toward my goal of climbing all 48 of the 4,000-footers. I also love Broadway shows—the creativity, energy, and storytelling never fail to inspire me. And I’m an avid reader, especially of memoirs and survival stories. I’m drawn to personal stories that offer insight into how people grow, overcome challenges, and make meaning in their experiences.
What message do you hope to leave with every Rumsey student, now and in the future?
You are capable of more than you know. You are part of something bigger than yourself. And you are enough—just as you are.
Let this place remind you of that, again and again.
