Shipley Welcomes New Head of School!
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Shipley is delighted to announce Ian L. Craig as their next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in independent schools, Ian brings a forward thinking vision and a proven history of success in fostering academic achievement and strengthening school communities. Under his guidance, Shipley will be well-positioned to build on its rich tradition of excellence and embark on an exciting new chapter. We look forward to the vision and leadership Ian will bring in the years ahead.
I am most honored to assume the role of Head of School at The Shipley School, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Shipley community, including the Board of Trustees, the Search Committee—especially Kathy Guy Dawson ’78 and Antonette Dulay-Tiongco—and to everyone who took the time to be a part of the process. My wife Holly, daughter Maia, and I are looking forward to immersing ourselves in school life and becoming a part of the school community.
Having served independent schools for thirty years, I have always been drawn to schools that are unabashedly about balance of program. Before visiting Shipley, I certainly was drawn to the strength and number of programs, anchored by the incredible combination of arts, robust academics, and competitive athletics.
Ian brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at esteemed independent schools across the country. His commitment to academic excellence, robust arts and athletics programs, and a strong sense of community and belonging align seamlessly with Shipley’s mission. Ian’s proven ability to develop and implement strategic planning, increase enrollment, drive philanthropy, and cultivate meaningful connections within school communities and beyond those boundaries at the national and global level will be invaluable as he leads Shipley into its next chapter. His collaborative approach and dedication to building inclusive, connected communities resonate strongly with Shipley’s commitment to compassionate participation in the world, as well as the values of respect, inclusion, and the School’s motto, “Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing.”