Ryan Kelly assumes post in July
By B.C. Manion
Ryan Kelly will become head of school at Carrollwood Day School (CDS), effective next July.
He succeeds Mary Kanter, who began her tenure at the school as a teacher nearly three decades ago.
Kelly is delighted by his appointment.
“I’m thrilled,” Kelly said. “When I came here just over four years ago, my intention was to be a head of school, and I was hoping it could be here.
“Given what Mrs. Kanter has done already — laid a great foundation — it’s poised to continue to grow, and I think be a beacon of tremendous growth in education in North Tampa,” he continued.
Kelly became principal of the high school at CDS in 2008, and has spent the past year working closely with Kanter as he assumed additional responsibilities as assistant head of school.
Carrollwood Day School serves students who are 2 years old through high school from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Its total enrollment is 831.
The school was first on the west coast of Florida authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme for students through grade five, the IB Middle Years Programme that is implemented in grades six through 10 and the IB Diploma Programme for students in grades 11 and 12.
Kelly was selected in 2011 by the National Association of Independent Schools to receive the organization’s Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads training. During the fellowship, Kelly studied major issues facing independent schools today.
Kelly has previously participated in Harvard University’s professional development program for New and Aspiring School Leaders. He has also received training from the Sun Valley Leadership Institute, an organization that focuses on helping educators in leadership positions build strong, ethical cultures.
He was the 2008 winner of the Boise Rotary Distinguished Educator Award.
In addition to his leadership credentials, Kelly is a National Board Certified Teacher of Science. He received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Oregon and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Colorado.
When Kelly took the reins of the high school, it had an enrollment of 62. Now, the enrollment is 221.
He attributes the growth to support of the school’s parents, the school’s facilities and the outstanding work of its staff.
“We have wonderful parents who believe in our mission and believe in what we do here,” Kelly said. “I think that’s what enabled us to grow.”
Despite its growth, many people are still unaware of the school, Kelly said.
He wants to change that.
“We want you to come to campus,” Kelly said. “We want you to do tours. We want you to see what we have. We have great facilities. We have a state-of-the-art auditorium theater. We’re expanding our athletics. … I really think we have something special here that’s helping kids be better citizens and have great character.”
