Kristen Mariotti Named New Head of School for Saratoga Independent School
It is with great pleasure that the Saratoga Independent School Board of Trustees announces our next Head of School. Following a thoughtful, inclusive, and comprehensive national search, Kristen Mariotti has been appointed to lead Saratoga Independent School effective July 1st, 2026.
Kristen brings nearly three decades of distinguished leadership in independent schools, with deep expertise in enrollment management and community building, and a steadfast commitment to equity, student growth, and mission-driven education. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Connecticut State University, a K-8 Teaching Certification from Prescott College, and a Masters of Education in Independent School Leadership from George Mason University.
For the past five years, Kristen has served as Head of Enrollment Management at Emma Willard School in Troy, NY. In this role, she oversaw admissions, financial aid, and enrollment strategy and served as a key member of the senior leadership team. She partnered closely with school leadership and the Board across a range of areas, including marketing, development, communications, academics, and student life.
Prior to Emma Willard, Kristen served as Assistant Head of School at Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, MA, where she played a central role in strategic planning and operations. Throughout her leadership career, she has also been central in launching equity and inclusion initiatives and providing leadership development programs for students, faculty, and staff.
Kristen is widely recognized as a leader in her field. In 2024, she received the Values & Vision in Leadership Award from the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP). She currently serves as a Trustee at Cheshire Academy, an Advisory Council member for The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), and as a faculty member and cohort leader for AISAP. She is also a mentor with the Enrollment Management Association (EMA).
Her work is defined by a collaborative spirit and a remarkable ability to connect with students, families, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Kristen’s leadership philosophy centers on cultivating school communities where every student feels known, valued, and supported.
“As SIS looks ahead, we’re excited about the energy and ideas Kristen brings. She will build on what already makes SIS strong while helping us continue to improve how we teach, support every student, and stay connected as a community. We’re confident that, with her leadership, SIS will remain a place where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. We also want to thank our current Head of School, Bob Ahrens, for his leadership at SIS. His commitment and stewardship have helped shape the school into the community it is today.” — Michael Buckley, Board of Trustees President
We extend our sincere gratitude to our Head of School Search Committee, and to our faculty, staff, and families. Your time, insight, and engagement were invaluable in shaping a search process that reflected our mission and strengthened our community.
As we reflect on this search process, we are immensely grateful to have found Kristen Mariotti. Beyond her extensive experience and education in independent school leadership, Kristen brings a wholehearted love of learning and an enthusiasm for growth and challenge. She is energetic, thoughtful, kind, and genuine, qualities that will serve SIS well in the years ahead. We are thrilled to welcome her to Saratoga Independent School and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
With great excitement,
Erica Fuller and Jayne Kirber
Head of School Search Committee Co-Chairs, Trustees
Saratoga Independent School
HOSSearch@siskids.org
“I’m inspired and honored to join the Saratoga Independent School community. Great schools are built on authentic relationships, shared values, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. I look forward to growing alongside students, families, and faculty in this next chapter.” – Kristen Mariotti
Head of School Search & Statement
With the announced departure of Head of School Robert Ahrens on June 30, 2026, Saratoga Independent School invites applications for a new Head of School to begin on July 1, 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring educational leader to join a close-knit, mission-driven community dedicated to nurturing curious, confident learners. The next Head of School will partner with a talented and committed faculty and staff to cultivate an inclusive learning environment, steward the school’s distinctive culture and traditions, and guide Saratoga Independent School into its next chapter of growth and excellence, ensuring that every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive.Position Summary
The Head of School serves as the chief executive, providing visionary and strategic leadership; overseeing day-to-day operations; and partnering with the Board of Trustees to advance Saratoga Independent School’s mission. The Head leads the development of the school’s vision and long-range plans, establishes and implements annual goals and objectives, and fosters a culture that prioritizes a positive student experience, strong academic outcomes, and collaboration. Central to this work is a commitment to developing curious, confident learners; nurturing inclusive, respectful community members; and guiding students to become purposeful, well-rounded individuals.
The Head of School supports and develops faculty and staff, promotes professional excellence, and ensures alignment across academic programs and student life. Serving as the school’s chief ambassador, the Head builds strong relationships with families, alumni, and the broader community while providing thoughtful stewardship to ensure the school’s sustainability and continued growth.
The position will report to the Board of Trustees and will manage six direct reports.
+ Head of School Position Statement
Position Responsibilities
Vision and Leadership
- Develop and implement the school’s short-term and long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the school’s commitment to its core values.
- Champion the school’s mission by cultivating a culture of curiosity, confidence, inclusion, and respect, and by leading the development of students’ intellect, character, and well-being to support purposeful, healthy lives.
- Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive learning community by engaging faculty, staff, and parents to retain current families and welcome new ones, fostering a balanced and diverse enrollment.
- Partner closely with the Board of Trustees with a focus on strategic planning, advise the Board on policy, implement Board-approved policies, and ensure the long-term institutional health of the School.
- Lead and develop a strong administrative team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth and career development.
Operations
- Partner with the Director of Finance to develop and implement an annual operating budget based on tuition revenue and investments, while maintaining compliance with all state and federal laws.
- Ensure the school’s financial health and growth through effective student recruitment and retention, fundraising and grant seeking and sound fiscal management.
- Manage and evaluate faculty and staff, including hiring practices, supervising the teaching process, professional development and ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Actively oversee the day-to-day operations, including human resources, technology and information systems, logistics (attendance, facilities, transportation) and campus safety.
Academics
- Develop and implement the school’s instructional models and curricula and work with the faculty to review and improve the academic programs to ensure they are consistent with the high standards and rigor of the school’s learning model.
- Provide thoughtful leadership of student selection, evaluation, and when necessary, disciplinary and dismissal decisions with compassion, professionalism and clear communication.
- Monitor the allocation of the school’s resources to support excellence in teaching and learning and advance the long-term goals of the school.
Community and Culture
- Cultivate and steward donor prospects and maintain a visual presence as an ambassador for Saratoga Independent School in the broader community.
- Develop and manage comprehensive communication strategies and materials for administration, faculty, staff, partners, and internal/external communities, utilizing appropriate tools and formats to reach all audience levels.
- Function as the primary liaison between the parent community and the Board of Trustees; support the work of the Parent Association and engage actively with the Board Committees.
Saratoga Independent School believes in providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, veteran status, medical condition, or any other legally protected class or status recognized by federal, state, or local law.