A Message from the Head of School

Welcome.

Like many families who find their way to intentionally small schools, my journey to school headship at Orinda Academy was fueled by my experience as a parent searching for something different for my own child.

My daughter is exceptionally bright — curious, insightful, creative, and intellectually driven. Yet despite her tremendous potential, the traditional high school environment did not meet her needs. Like many highly capable students, she needed more than academic rigor alone. She needed guidance in areas such as time management, organization, prioritization, and executive functioning. She also needed adults who understood that social-emotional well-being is deeply connected to academic success.

What became painfully clear during those years is that large school environments can sometimes overlook students who do not fit neatly into conventional systems or expectations. For students who are different in any way — whether in how they learn, think, identify, or experience the world — those environments can feel isolating rather than supportive.

Our family experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for a student to thrive when they are both intellectually advanced and emotionally unsupported. We also witnessed the profound impact that empathy, belonging, and individualized attention can have when a young person is truly seen and understood.

That experience shaped my philosophy as an educator and leader.

I believe students thrive in environments where they are known deeply — not simply as learners, but as whole people. I believe highly capable students often need more support, not less. I believe executive functioning skills can be taught. I believe emotional safety matters. And I believe small schools have the unique ability to create the kind of connected community where students can rediscover confidence, engagement, and joy in learning.

Orinda Academy was intentionally designed to provide that kind of environment: academically challenging, relationally supportive, and deeply human. Here, students are encouraged to think critically, explore authentically, and grow into capable, self-aware young adults.

We are proud to be a place where students who may have felt overlooked elsewhere can find both challenge and belonging.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our community. We are honored to walk alongside students and families during some of the most important years of their lives.

Nancy Rowland

Head of School: 2022 - present