Interim Head of School & Camp

Ben Hebebrand has dedicated more than thirty years to independent school education as a teacher, division head, Head of School, and interim leader. Throughout his career, he has been drawn to community-centered schools where every child is known, valued, and inspired to pursue their aspirations with confidence and purpose.

 

Ben began his career at Atlanta International School as a German teacher and later served as Head of Middle School during a period of significant growth and campus relocation. Since 2001, he has led a variety of independent schools, including Evansville Day School in Indiana, Quest Academy in the Chicago area, Madison Country Day School in Wisconsin, and the German International School Chicago. His leadership experience spans preschool through grade 12 schools and includes gifted education, International Baccalaureate programs, international school communities, curriculum projects, strategic planning, enrollment growth, faculty development, fundraising, and campus expansion initiatives.

 

At Quest Academy, Ben championed an inquiry-based, concept-driven curriculum grounded in Understanding by Design curriculum framework and partnered with Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development to provide advanced gifted education training for faculty. At Madison Country Day School, he successfully led a capital campaign and construction of a new Academic Center while strengthening the school's International Baccalaureate program. During his tenure at the German International School Chicago, he enhanced the school's bilingual IB framework and secured acceptance into the network of German Schools Abroad, bringing increased recognition and support to the institution. Most recently, Ben served as Interim Head of School at The Pathfinder School (Michigan), a progressive, nature-based Pre-K–8 school known for its commitment to experiential learning and its Forest Kindergarten program.

 

Born and raised in Germany until age sixteen, Ben is fluent in German and also speaks Spanish and French. He attended The Paideia School in Atlanta before earning undergraduate degrees in English/Theatre and Intercultural Studies from Warren Wilson College and a master's degree in Communications from Georgia State University.

 

Ben and his wife, Joy, have five adult children. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, theater, and, most importantly, spending time with family.