SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Board of Trustees of Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) has named Robert C. Ahrens, Jr. as its new Head of School beginning July 1, 2021.
Robert “Bob” Ahrens has worked in independent schools for more than 25 years. For the past 7 years, Ahrens has served as the Assistant Head of School for Academics & Director of Upper School at Andrews Osborne Academy, a co-educational boarding school in Willoughby, OH. Over his vast career, he has worn many hats and served in numerous roles, beginning as a Middle School math teacher and Dean of Students before moving into administrative leadership positions. In addition, he has served as a member of six school accreditation teams as well as serving as a presenter at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) National Conference.
Julie S. Fuller, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “As Saratoga Independent School approaches its 30th Anniversary this September, we will not only be honoring the school’s past by commemorating our thirty-year history, but we will also be embracing its future. With Mr. Ahrens’ consummate vision, leadership, and extensive experience, we will be looking to our Strategic Plan to continue our unprecedented growth, academic success, and financial sustainability as a fully enrolled PreK through 8th grade, accredited institution.”
Ahrens earned a B.S. from Ohio State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Villanova University. Ahrens was a recipient of the National Association of Independent Schools’ E.E. Ford Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads, a yearlong program of leadership development for emerging independent school leaders.
Current head of school, Lisa Brown, announced her retirement to the Saratoga Independent School community in January. Under her four years of leadership, the school completed a successful $1.7 million capital campaign, launched a new middle school serving grades six, seven and eight, and completed the construction of a new academic wing.
Virtual and private tours are always available for prospective families. Families interested in scheduling a private or virtual tour may visit www.siskids.org/admissions/campus-tour or contact Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, at 518-583-0841 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
