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Ian Craig, Head of School

 

Head of School Blog: Ian's Thoughts on Education & Connection

Connecting Students to the Best Transitional Model: Why the Pre-K–9 Model Works
Connecting Students to the Best Transitional Model: Why the Pre-K–9 Model Works
Ian Craig

Experts have researched the benefits of many different frameworks of education. Ultimately, a significant amount of evidence confirms that the Pre-K–9 model of independent school education strongly supports the emotional, developmental, and academic transitional needs of a child. Current research supporting the integrity of the Pre-K–9 model indicates that adolescents in this setting have improved grades and fewer disciplinary problems than their counterparts who transition into a new middle school.

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Head of School, Ian Craig

Ian Craig has been Head of School for three independent schools: Harding Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas, and Interim Head of School at Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie, Louisiana. Since childhood and throughout his career, Ian has been immersed in the independent school culture: Ian’s father was an independent school head and Ian attended Trinity-Pawling School during high school.  As a student, parent, educator, coach, and administrator, Ian’s experience garnered him the expertise to understand the roles vital to the success of an independent school. 

Ian and his wife, Holly, have three children: Holden is the director of a university esports program, Cooper is serving in the United States Navy and stationed in Japan and Maia who is in kindergarten. Ian is an avid reader who enjoys running and playing the guitar, in addition to playing ice hockey whenever he can.  

Holly, Maia, and Ian Craig at the Solley House Head of School Residence

Ian was born in Montreal but grew up on Long Island, New York. He holds a B.A. from Syracuse University in International Relations and an M.A. from New York University (NY) in Secondary Social Studies Education. Ian was published in the Independent School Magazine twice and has been a presenter at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and Index Conferences, in addition to presenting at the New Faculty Institute at Vanderbilt University. He served on the board of the Southern Association of Independent Schools and currently serves on the Standards Committee of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. 

Head of School Contact Information

Ian invites members of the Rumsey community to feel free to contact him via email at icraig@rumseyhall.org or to set up an appointment to meet in person with him. If you are interested in meeting with Ian, please contact Julie Fredlund, Executive Assistant, at jfred@rumseyhall.org to arrange a time.