Our Leadership & Staff Home / About Us / Our Leadership & Staff Meet Our Dedicated Team A Message from Our Head of School Joanne Pate, Head of School Dear Future Rhoades School Family, I came to Rhoades thirteen years ago as a parent. My daughters — one in fourth grade, one in sixth — were the ones walking through the door for the first time. I know what it feels like to be on your side of this letter. What I didn’t expect then, and what I still find myself thinking about now, is how quickly this place becomes home. The people here — teachers, families, kids — actually act like it. When parents describe Rhoades, the word they reach for most often isn’t “curriculum” or “outcomes.” It’s “community.” That’s what happens when curious kids spend years alongside teachers who genuinely know them. Those teachers are worth saying something specific about. Many have been here for fifteen, twenty, even thirty years — they stay because this is the kind of school where teaching means something. They hold advanced degrees and deep expertise in their fields, and they approach each student as an individual: what does this particular child need to be pushed, to feel safe enough to try hard things, to build the confidence that carries into high school and beyond? The campus itself reflects that same intention. Our Lower School was modeled after the Native American pueblos that our founder, Charlotte Rhoades Glinski, studied and admired — an architecture with warmth and history built in. The Middle School has an outdoor space we call Camp Rhoades, where you might find an entire class spread across the lawn deep in discussion, or two students working through a problem in the shade of one of the campus’s old trees. Learning here doesn’t only happen at desks. I think about our graduates often. They come back — and not just to visit. They come back because this was a place where they were genuinely known. They leave as critical thinkers who can articulate what they believe and why, going on to high schools and universities of their choosing. What I hear from them most is a version of the same thing: Rhoades prepared me for whatever came next. If you’d like to come see the school in action, I’d love to show you around. There’s nothing I can write here that compares to watching a class in motion. Warmly, Joanne Pate Head of School, The Rhoades School Read More Learn More About The Rhoades School Teachers What credentials do teachers at The Rhoades Preschool hold? Our faculty is comprised of seasoned early childhood experts. Every teacher at Rhoades Preschool holds a minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units and brings at least five years of professional classroom experience. This ensures that your child is guided by educators who possess both the academic foundation and the practical wisdom necessary to nurture and challenge young learners. What do families appreciate most about teachers at The Rhoades Preschool? Parents consistently highlight the partnership and connectivity our staff provides. We understand that the transition from home to school is a significant milestone for any family; our teachers ease this process by maintaining open lines of communication on everything from high-level learning activities to practical updates like lunch and nap times. At Rhoades, parents never feel far from their child’s progress because our teachers prioritize making every family feel heard and informed. What makes the teachers at The Rhoades Preschool exceptional? What defines a Rhoades educator is a “beyond-the-call’ commitment to each child’s success. Whether they are tailoring a lesson to a student’s specific curiosity, providing extra emotional support during a morning transition, or meticulously prepping a classroom for discovery, our teachers do more than instruct…they champion. This level of personal dedication gives our families total peace of mind, knowing their child is in an environment where their potential is truly seen and celebrated. How do teachers communicate with families? We believe that transparency is essential to a strong school-home partnership. Our teachers utilize the Links 2 Home app to stay in constant contact with families throughout the day. Through this platform, you will receive photos, learning updates, and quick check-ins, ensuring you are always a part of your child’s daily journey. Come See Our School in Action! Contact us today to schedule a private tour and experience our Links to Learning curriculum firsthand. Learn More
