Welcome from our Head of School

Leading with Purpose, Intention, and Impact

I began my career in the summer of 2001 as a Teach for America Corps Member in Paterson, New Jersey, where I learned the transformative power of providing every student with an excellent education. After several years in public schools, I joined the Charles Wright faculty in 2006 as a sixth-grade English teacher. It took me some time to fully understand what makes an independent school education unique, but over the years, I’ve developed a deep sense of purpose rooted in our mission. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many roles, each offering a new perspective on our school and our community. Today, I am honored to serve as the ninth Head of School at Charles Wright Academy.

In August, during our Opening Meetings, we launched this year’s theme: Leading with Purpose, Intention, and Impact. When I think about purpose, I think about being grounded in a shared foundation—our school’s mission, vision, and values. At Charles Wright, our mission is to inspire active, joyful learning while nurturing and challenging our students to develop the character, creativity, and skills to successfully navigate the future with confidence. One phrase that particularly resonates with me is to “nurture and challenge our students.” I want every child in our community to feel seen, known, and valued. I also want our students to grow as critical thinkers—both in how they care for others and in their awareness of their unique ability to positively impact the world. Intention is the way we show up each day, with care, commitment, and the desire to bring our best selves to our roles. And impact is what becomes possible when purpose and intention come together in service of our students and families.

At Charles Wright, we offer students opportunities to step beyond their comfort zones, to learn from nature, and to rely on one another. Whether it’s through deep classroom discussions, immersive outdoor learning, or real-world experiences, students begin to see the world through new lenses. From our first graders visiting a local farm to our tenth graders heading into the backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trip, each experience builds nuance and depth in their understanding of our interdependence and shared humanity.

Now more than ever, our school values anchor us. We hold fast to excellence, compassion, integrity, respect, and perseverance. These are not just words on a wall, they are the principles we strive to live by each day. In a country that can often feel deeply divided, we are intentionally teaching our students how to listen, to recognize and honor one another’s humanity, and to understand how we all navigate the world in different ways. We seek curiosity over judgment, empathy over assumption.

This work is not always easy. At times, these ideals feel more aspirational than lived. And yet, they are worth pursuing. We need the next generation of leaders and thinkers to examine their choices with care, to speak up for their beliefs, and—most importantly—to seek what unites us, rather than what divides us.

At Charles Wright, we create transformational experiences every day. Together, we are shaping the future, one step, one student, one conversation at a time.

Warmly,

Rachel Rippl
Head of School
headofschool@charleswright.org

Learn More About Rachel

Rachel grew up in Seattle and began her college studies at Willamette University before transferring to the University of Washington, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001. Following graduation, she joined Teach for America and spent two years in Paterson, New Jersey, teaching seventh-grade history, English, and health. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with middle school students, a passion that has guided her career ever since.

After returning to the Pacific Northwest in 2003, Rachel taught at Eastside Academy and Odle Middle School in Bellevue. Following her engagement, she moved to the South Sound and joined the Charles Wright Academy faculty in the fall of 2006 as a sixth-grade English teacher. Over the years, she took on several leadership roles, including Sixth Grade Team Leader, Co-Chair of the English Department, and coach for middle school cross country and track. In 2007, she completed her Master’s in Education from Antioch University and later pursued additional coursework at Columbia Teachers College through its summer program.

Rachel transitioned into administration in 2019 as Assistant Director of the Middle School and was promoted to Director within two years. In that role, she helped rebuild enrollment and expand curricular offerings while participating in the NWAIS Emerging Leaders Program and the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads. In the summer of 2024, she was appointed Middle and Upper School Director, and later that fall, after a leadership transition, she was named Interim Head of School. The Board confirmed her as Head of School in February 2025.

Throughout her two decades at Charles Wright Academy, Rachel has earned deep respect for her unwavering dedication to the community, her ability to build meaningful relationships with students and families, and her commitment to ensuring an exceptional experience for every Tarrier, every day.