Head of School - Ron Graydon

Ron Graydon is the founder, head of school, and chairman of the board of Orinda Academy. Ron has a B.S. in Conservation of Natural Resources with a biology and social science minor from U.C. Berkeley. In addition, he has teaching credentials in life science, geography, and conservation from U.C. Berkeley. Ron has also earned a certificate in fitness instruction from California State University East Bay.

Ron started his teaching career thirty-two years ago as a science teacher, science department chairman, and co-director for another independent school before leaving to begin what was the origin of Orinda Academy back in 1980. Ron and two colleagues began North Bay Secondary School in Point Richmond. Ron also co-founded what is now the Marin School in Sausalito. Ron then began North Bay Orinda School in 1982, which later was renamed Orinda Academy. While being head of school, he has also taught science, visual performing arts, and weight training. Ron is also a naturalist, enjoys photography, baseball, music, and serves as the rookie drummer of the faculty band.