Head of School Search

A Message from the President of the Board of Trustees

December 18, 2024

Dear Members of the Canterbury Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School Search Committee, I am thrilled to announce the unanimous and enthusiastic appointment of Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s seventh Head of School. This decision is the culmination of a thoughtful and thorough process guided by the insights of our community, the enduring strength of Canterbury’s mission, and our bold aspirations for the future.

In seeking our next leader, we focused on clear and uncompromising priorities: preserve Canterbury’s warm and inclusive culture, further strengthen academic excellence, and support the development of students who are well-rounded, values-driven, and prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world. We sought someone who exemplifies extraordinary personal qualities: a genuine love for students, a talent for community-building, boundless energy and optimism, and the ability to inspire all stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. This leader also needed to bring a proven record of operational excellence, strategic innovation, and successful fundraising to sustain and advance the school’s mission.

We have found all of this—and more—in Caroline Blatti. 

Her campus visit affirmed our decision at every step. She engaged meaningfully with students, faculty, and staff, bringing curiosity, warmth, and energy to every interaction. She embraced campus life, demonstrating a keen appreciation for what makes Canterbury unique, and shared an inspiring vision for its future. Caroline’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Canterbury, grounded in our values and dedicated to the growth and vitality of our community.

An Accomplished Educator and Transformative Leader

Caroline’s career in independent schools spans more than 25 years. She has excelled in co-educational and single-sex schools, day and boarding, as a teacher, coach, advisor, upper school division head, program director, and, most recently, Head of School. A first-generation college graduate, Caroline earned her B.A. in English from Princeton University and her M.A. in English Literature from University College London. Raised in an Irish Catholic household, her family upheld the values of compassion, service, and integrity that continue to guide her leadership today.

Early in her career, Caroline spent several years at The Lawrenceville School, where she taught English, served as an Assistant Housemaster, and coached multiple sports. This experience immersed her in the unique rhythm and transformative potential of a boarding school environment, igniting her passion for the holistic development of students and deepening her appreciation for close-knit residential communities.

During her eight-year tenure as Head of School at Roland Park Country School (RPCS) in Baltimore, MD, Caroline achieved significant advancements across all areas of school life. She led a successful eight-figure capital campaign, growing the endowment to over $65 million and funding initiatives such as the Gore Leadership Institute and the fully endowed Holliday Heine STEM Institute. She also founded the Culture, Community & Belonging department to strengthen the school’s inclusive and supportive culture and championed a balanced approach to academic excellence and social-emotional development.  

Under her leadership, her employee teams at RPCS doubled the size of the early childhood program, advanced academic excellence across all divisions, and achieved record-breaking Annual Fund results. She worked closely with the Board of Trustees and senior administrative leaders on the creation of a comprehensive 2024-2029 strategic plan. All the while, Caroline remained deeply engaged with the school community, teaching and mentoring students while fostering meaningful relationships with alumni and parents. 

Leadership Uniquely Suited for Canterbury

Caroline’s leadership balances a respect for tradition with a bold embrace of innovation. She understands how to honor a school’s identity while advancing forward-thinking strategies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and intellect necessary to succeed as future leaders. Under her leadership, Canterbury will remain a school where timeless values intersect with innovative opportunities, preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.

Caroline views strong relationships as the foundation of institutional success and invests deeply in knowing and engaging with her community. Her leadership is characterized by attentive listening and intentional action, ensuring every member of the community feels heard and valued. This approach will further strengthen Canterbury’s inclusive and welcoming culture, uniting all members in pursuit of shared goals and collective success.

Finally, Caroline’s personal values and faith reflect her belief in spirituality as an essential aspect of education, providing a foundation for empathy, moral clarity, and a sense of purpose. This belief aligns with Canterbury’s mission and heritage, fostering a community where core values shape strong character. With her ability to lead with both head and heart, Caroline will ensure Canterbury continues to distinguish itself as a school where students achieve academic excellence and are inspired to become “moral leaders in a complex secular world.”

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her visit with students, employees, and board members last week, Caroline shared, "During my time on campus, I gained an even deeper sense of the kindness, warmth, and dedication to the greater good that defines the Canterbury community. In every interaction across the campus, it was clear that you show up for one another as full human beings, seeing, honoring, and valuing each other in ways that are incredibly affirming and inspiring. Please know the trust and care I will take with this loving, hardworking, dedicated, and purposeful community as I step into the role of Head of School."

Indeed, Caroline, her husband Stephan, and their sons Sullivan and Aidan (and two golden retrievers) are eager to join the Canterbury community next summer. They look forward to embracing life on campus and becoming active members of our school family.

In the coming weeks, a transition committee will collaborate with the Board of Trustees, school leadership, and the broader Canterbury community to ensure a smooth and successful leadership transition. Plans to welcome Caroline and her family, as well as opportunities to engage with her vision for Canterbury, will be shared as we prepare for her official start on July 1, 2025. In the interim, I encourage you to learn more about Caroline on our Head of School Search webpage.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Sue Roberts for her exceptional leadership as Interim Head of School. Her guidance has not only maintained but strengthened Canterbury’s momentum and vitality during this important transitional period. I also extend my thanks to the Search Committee for their dedication, insight, and hard work in guiding this process to such a successful outcome. 

Please join me in warmly welcoming Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s next Head of School. I look forward with great anticipation to the extraordinary opportunities ahead under her leadership.

With appreciation,

Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21
President, Board of Trustees
Chair, Head of School Search Committee