The Village School Welcomes Dr. Ryan Kelly as Next Head of School

A Journey Rooted in Teaching and Discovery

Ryan Kelly’s path to school leadership began with a love for teaching. Raised in Boise, Idaho, he developed a lifelong connection to the outdoors and an early passion for athletics and community engagement. His academic journey took him to the University of Oregon, where he studied chemistry and advanced mathematics and discovered his enthusiasm for making complex ideas accessible to others—a realization that reshaped his career trajectory toward education.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in science instruction and curriculum from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he also competed with the university’s elite triathlon team, eventually serving as team president during multiple national championship wins.

What followed was a teaching career that spanned AP chemistry, honors mathematics, and IB DP courses in independent, public, and charter schools. Ryan quickly emerged as a trusted instructional leader, advancing into roles such as Grade-Level Lead, Department Chair, and Head of Upper School at Riverstone International School. His excellence in the classroom earned him National Board Certification in Science and the Boise Rotary Award for Distinguished Educators.

Leadership Across the Country and Around the World

Ryan’s leadership experience includes significant roles in both domestic and international school settings. At Carrollwood Day School in Tampa he advanced from Head of Upper School to Associate Head and ultimately Head of School, expanding programs in STEM and entrepreneurship while participating in development courses through Harvard University and the National Association of Independent Schools.

In 2020 he became the Founding Head of School for BASIS International & Bilingual School in Chengdu, China. There he helped shape a $250 million new campus, led faculty recruitment, collaborated on construction planning, and oversaw what became the network’s smoothest school opening and a top international school in the region.

Most recently Ryan served as Head of School at The Colorado Springs School, where he contributed to strategic planning and program innovation—experiences that further strengthened his commitment to mission-driven leadership and institutional resilience.

He also holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, where his dissertation focused on the impact of STEM and entrepreneurship programs on girls in grades 5–12.

Meet the Kellys

While Ryan’s professional accomplishments are significant, the heart of his journey is his family. Ryan and his wife, Kate, a nationally board-certified health coach, have built a close-knit family that embraces adventure, wellness, and time spent together. Their son O'Neill is an athlete and musician, and their daughter Kaia is an all-star swimmer with a love for gymnastics and singing Taylor Swift at full volume. Joining them are Baxter and Roxy, two sibling rescue dogs adopted during the family’s time in China.

After living in Boise, Tampa, Chengdu, and Colorado Springs, the Kellys are excited to make Houston the place where they set deeper roots and join a thriving school community.
Ryan’s Thoughts on Joining The Village School.

Ryan shared this reflection on his next chapter:
“The Viking community is exactly where I want to be at this stage of my career—a place with strong bones and unlimited potential, where I can apply everything I’ve learned about building culture, elevating teaching, and creating genuine community. I’m ready to pour all of that experience into helping an already strong school become exceptional."

Looking Ahead

In the months ahead we will share opportunities for students, families, faculty, and staff to meet Dr. Kelly during campus visits. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to The Village School as we embark on an exciting next chapter together.