Associate Head of School Kristen Klein has accepted an offer to serve as the next Head of School at Rye Country Day School in New York. Kristen will continue to serve as Associate Head of School at Durham Academy for the entire 2026–2027 school year. Her role as Head of School at RCDS begins July 1, 2027.
RCDS is a pre-k through 12 school with 969 students founded in 1869. It has one of the nation’s strongest academic programs. With its founding motto “Not for Self, but for Service” and a robust Public Purpose program, it is a great match for Kristen’s passion for community-engaged and real-world learning. RCDS’s location in Westchester County also enables Klein and her husband, Michael, to live within a 45-minute drive of her parents, sister and niece. Here's the link to RCDS’ announcement.
"Kristen has invested eight years of energetic, idealistic service in Durham Academy," said DA Head of School Michael Ulku-Steiner. "Many of our most meaningful academic advances in recent years owe much to Kristen’s vision and leadership. She has a rare combination of wisdom, grace, insight and heart.
"As a strategic advisor and trusted sounding board for me, as a collaborative thought partner to the Board of Trustees, as a supportive coach and cheerleader for our faculty colleagues, and as a relentless learner about what’s next in education, Kristen has catalyzed and shepherded substantial improvements in all areas of the school with compassion and an unwavering commitment to what is best for students."
Klein's leadership at DA will continue to matter deeply in 2026–2027.
“Durham Academy has been an extraordinary place to call home for the past eight years. I am deeply grateful for the colleagues, students and families who have shaped my experience here and for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a remarkable community. DA pursues excellence relentlessly; each day, we work hard to get better at getting better in all areas of the school. We have built incredible momentum by further aligning our academic program with our mission. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I’m especially proud of the momentum around preparing our students for moral, happy and productive lives. This year, we will continue pushing ourselves to help students own their learning, solve real problems and connect their passions and skills with the genuine needs of the world around them. I’m excited for what lies ahead for DA — and incredibly thankful to have one more year to partner with such incredible colleagues, students and families in developing DA’s next chapter.”
Durham Academy has partnered with Carney, Sandoe and Associates to launch a national search for Klein's successor, who will begin as DA’s Assistant Head of School on July 1, 2027.
"We will miss Kristen dearly, but this is a happy scenario for her family, Durham Academy and RCDS. I look forward to watching Kristen lead the RCDS community with her signature professionalism, generosity and courage," said Ulku-Steiner. "I feel deep gratitude for her partnership in leading DA and her extraordinary contributions to our academic program. It’s too early to say goodbye, but I feel privileged to have worked so closely with her and grateful that Kristen will forever be part of the DA family."