GLADWYNE MONTESSORI WELCOMES HEAD OF SCHOOL; CARRIE KRIES

GLADWYNE (June 13, 2016) – Gladwyne Montessori is pleased to announce that Carrie Kries assumes the position of Head of School effective today. Kries, who has been an educator for nearly 25 years, will take over management of the 250-student school, which includes students from toddler to 8th grade.

“As I prepare to step into the role of Gladwyne Montessori's next Head of School, I am mindful of paying tribute to the greatness that has existed here for over 50 years,” Kries said. “I am eager to celebrate that legacy and leverage the school's pre-eminent position in a way that excites, inspires and invigorates our existing learning community, neighboring Montessori schools and other educational institutions to actively participate in Gladwyne's future development.

Kries most recently served as CEO of the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School, where her leadership has been described as both “visionary and inspirational.” Prior to her time at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School, Kries was Head of Upper School at AIM Academy, an elementary teacher and curriculum supervisor in the Wallingford Swarthmore School District and a student teacher supervisor for Swarthmore College. Also an entrepreneur, she has started two businesses, including an internationally televised children’s cooking show. Kries holds a B.A. in Education from Beaver College and a M.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Kries, who assumed the head role from Interim Head of School Gerry Hartnett, a longtime Gladwyne Montessori educator, was selected following a comprehensive Head of School search.

“The selection of the Head of School is one of the greatest responsibilities of trusteeship,” explained Stefanie Langer, Chair of Gladwyne Montessori’s Board of Trustees. “Because Carrie’s unique combination of skills and experiences are well aligned with the opportunities our school faces, we are very excited about what the future may bring.”