Head of School

On July 1, 2022, Dr. Luis Ottley began his tenure as St. Paul Academy and Summit School's seventh Head of School. Dr. Ottley was officially installed as Head of School on August 31, 2022, at an all-school Installation Celebration. View photos from the Installation or watch the livestream video of the event.

A passionate and transformational leader, Dr. Ottley brings a wealth of experience from multiple independent schools across the country. Dr. Ottley’s inclusive, collaborative approach to leadership has created school environments in which all voices are heard and appreciated. He has led his institutions in connecting to the broader communities in which they operate, enriching the lives of students and those around them. He has long been an advocate for creating a school community that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive so that each member of that community can achieve their full potential.

Joining SPA is the next step in Dr. Ottley's remarkable 30-year career as an independent school educator, administrator, and leader. He comes to SPA after serving as Head of School at St. Martin’s Episcopal School, a private day school for 650 students in preschool through Grade 8 in suburban Atlanta, since 2017. Previously, he served as Head of School at Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley, CA, for six years. He has led two Middle Schools, serving as Middle School Principal at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in the Bronx (NY) and as Middle School Director at University Preparatory Academy in Seattle. He has also held multiple administrative, classroom, and coaching roles at the Shipley School (PA); the Bullis School (MD), and West Nottingham Academy (MD). He holds a B.S. from Allegheny College (PA), a M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University (MD), and an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently working towards a Master of Divinity degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CA).