Luis A. Ottley, Ed.D.
Independent School Leader · Advisor · Educator

Education is leadership in service of students.

Helping schools and their leaders navigate transitions, strengthen programs and plan for the future. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in independent school education, including 15 years as a Head of School, I work with school leaders, boards and search committees on leadership transitions, strategic planning, school culture, program development and institutional stewardship.

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Dr. Luis A. Ottley
35+years in independent education
PreK–12developmental perspective
3Head of School appointments
Globalperspective shaped by Panama & international education
About

A career grounded in education.

For more than three decades, my career has taken me from the classroom and coaching fields to division leadership and the Head of School role. I have worked with students, educators, families, and boards in independent schools across the United States.

That breadth of experience has shaped my perspective on school leadership and reinforced a conviction that has guided me throughout my career. This variety of positions I've held has shaped how I lead: with close attention to students and teachers, respect for institutional history, and a commitment to clear purpose.

Selected Accomplishments

Leadership translated into institutional impact.

A selection of initiatives and outcomes from my work in independent schools.

01

Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership

One of the greatest joys of my career was helping turn a bold idea into Horizon Community School in Marin City. By making public-private partnerships a pillar of Marin Horizon School’s strategic plan, we brought educators, families, community leaders, and the public school district together around a shared belief: every child deserves opportunity, and every family deserves meaningful choice. What emerged was a small school with a powerful purpose, demonstrating that when communities work together, even a small institution can make a lasting difference.

02

Building Something That Lasts

Inspired by a program I encountered at Ethical Culture Fieldston School, I envisioned woodworking at St. Martin’s Episcopal School as both a powerful way to learn and a safe space for students of all genders to problem-solve, take risks, fail, and try again. We studied exemplary programs across the country, secured support from The Goizueta Foundation, and created the space and program for its launch. It opened the year I departed and continues today—building creativity, confidence, resilience, and the courage to learn from failure.

03

Transforming Spaces, Transforming Learning

I believe the spaces we create for children should reflect the possibilities we see in them. After a devastating fire at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, our Together We Rise campaign raised more than $6 million to create an award-winning Early Childhood learning center. At St. Paul Academy and Summit School, we raised more than $20 million to transform a century-old Lower School, including pioneering Arts and Innovation spaces. In both communities, we turned philanthropy into something greater than buildings—an investment in how children learn, create, and imagine what is possible.

04

Finding the Right Path for Every Learner

At St. Martin’s Episcopal School and St. Paul Academy and Summit School, we created the Kairos Learning Center and the Christopher Center Pathways Program to help students with dyslexia thrive in academically ambitious communities. Grounded in Orton-Gillingham principles and shaped by research and expert guidance, each program reflects its school’s unique culture while sharing one conviction: Meet children where they are and give them the opportunity to show how far they can go.

05

Learning Beyond Borders

For more than 20 years, I helped students step beyond the familiar through language and cultural immersion in China, Costa Rica, and Panama, including enduring exchanges that brought Panamanian students into our schools and our students into Panamanian homes. I watched young people return with greater confidence, curiosity, and a broader understanding of what—and who—belongs in their world. I only wish more students had these opportunities. Crossing borders can change perspectives, deepen understanding, and help young people see themselves as citizens of a world far larger than their own.

06

Turning Equity into Practice

We created the Equity Institute to support faculty in moving equity from aspiration into practice. Learning alongside leading thinkers including Joe Feldman, Joy DeGruy, and Bettina Love, we examined equitable grading, race, belonging, and joy. The goal was not simply conversation, but transformation—challenging assumptions, strengthening practice, and building schools where every student can thrive.

Educational Philosophy

Excellent teaching is at the center.

I believe the quality of a school ultimately depends on the teaching and learning taking place in its classrooms.

Having taught and led across elementary, middle, and high school education, I understand that students need different kinds of challenge, support, independence, and connection at different stages of development.

Effective curriculum combines deep subject knowledge, developmentally appropriate teaching, intellectual curiosity and clear expectations. It helps students develop the habits needed to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar situations.

01Deep knowledge of subject matter
02Developmentally appropriate teaching
03Meaningful relationships with students
04Intellectual challenge and curiosity
05Clear expectations and purpose
06Continuous professional learning
International Perspective

Preparing students for an interconnected world.

Growing up in Panama and attending the United World College of the United States shaped my understanding of education as a force for bringing people together across cultures and perspectives.

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Curiosity. Perspective. Responsibility

Although my professional career has been primarily within U.S. independent schools, my perspective on education has remained global. I believe schools should prepare students to develop the curiosity, empathy, knowledge and responsibility to understand perspective beyond their immediate communities and participate thoughtfully and confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.

Career

Selected leadership experience.

2022–2026

St. Paul Academy and Summit School

Head of School · St. Paul, Minnesota

2017–2022

St. Martin's Episcopal School

Head of School · Atlanta, Georgia

2011–2017

Marin Horizon School

Head of School · Mill Valley, California

Earlier

Ethical Culture Fieldston School

Middle School Principal

Earlier

University Preparatory Academy

Middle School Director

Earlier

The Shipley School

Assistant Head of Lower School · Diversity Point Person

Earlier

The Bullis School

High School Math Teacher · Middle School Spanish Teacher · Assistant Director of Admission · Coach

Earlier

West Nottingham Academy

High School Math Teacher · Spanish Teacher · Dorm Parent · Coach

Writing & Speaking

Ideas in education and leadership.

I am interested in the challenges and opportunities facing independent schools and educational leaders.

Leadership

What 35 Years in Independent Schools Has Taught Me About Leadership

Reflections on stewardship, trust, institutional purpose, and leading through change.

Read when published →
Teaching & Learning

What Great Teaching Looks Like Across Developmental Stages

How educational leadership can stay grounded in the realities of students and classrooms.

Read when published →
Global Education

Preparing Students for an Interconnected World

Why global citizenship requires curiosity, perspective, knowledge, and responsibility.

Read when published →
Education

Academic preparation.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)University of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration (MBA)Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor's DegreeAllegheny College
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)Church Divinity School of the Pacific
Contact

Conversations about education.

Let's talk: I welcome inquiries from schools, boards, search committees and educational organizations seeking support with leadership transitions, strategic planning, program development and other institutional priorities.

Luis A. Ottley, Ed.D.

LuisAOttley@luisottley.com

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