Announcing Interim Head of School Ben Hebebrand

The Board's decision was made with full confidence based on the strong recommendation of the Interim Head of School Search Committee following a thoughtful, comprehensive, and community-informed search process.

 

When we began this search, our goal was clear: to find a leader who could honor what makes High Meadows so special while guiding our community with wisdom, steadiness, and care. We sought someone who leads by listening, builds trust through authentic relationships, embraces whole-child education, and understands the importance of nurturing a joyful school culture. Throughout the process, it became increasingly clear that Ben embodies those qualities.

 

Ben brings more than thirty years of experience in independent schools as a teacher, division head, Head of School, and interim leader. Most recently, he served as Interim Head of School at The Pathfinder School in Michigan, a nature-based Pre-K–8 school known for experiential learning and outdoor education. He has also led the German International School Chicago, Madison Country Day School, Quest Academy, and Evansville Day School, and previously served as Director of Administration at the German International School of Washington, DC.

 

Ben also has ties to Atlanta. He attended The Paideia School before earning undergraduate degrees from Warren Wilson College and a master's degree from Georgia State University. He began his career at Atlanta International School as a German teacher and later served as Head of Middle School, making this a meaningful return to the city he knows and loves.

 

Throughout his career, Ben has championed inquiry-based learning, strong faculty support, and community-centered school cultures where every child is known, valued, and inspired to grow with confidence and purpose. His educational philosophy aligns closely with High Meadows' commitment to curiosity, joy, belonging, and whole-child learning.

 

Throughout the search, Ben consistently demonstrated that he is a trusted, values-driven leader who listens before acting, builds relationships with authenticity, and leads with humility. Those qualities were affirmed through interviews, his campus visit, and exceptionally strong references. The Board is confident he is the right person to lead High Meadows at this time.

 

We are deeply grateful to our Interim Search Committee, committee advisors, School Leadership Team, teachers, faculty, staff, and community members who participated throughout the process. Your thoughtful feedback strengthened our work, and we sincerely appreciate the time, care, and candor you brought to this important decision.

 

The appointment of our Interim Head of School concludes this phase of our leadership transition. While we will share more about the permanent Head of School search in the months ahead, our focus now is on welcoming Ben and supporting a wonderful year for our students, faculty, staff, and families.

 

Please join us in extending a warm High Meadows welcome to Ben Hebebrand. We are excited for the year ahead and so glad he is here.

 

With gratitude and excitement,

 

Theresa Robison

Chair, Board of Trustees

High Meadows School & Camp

 

Leigh Borda

Chair, Interim Search Committee

Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

High Meadows School & Camp