Head of School
Ryan S. Dahlem, Ninth Head of School
Ryan S. Dahlem is the ninth head of school at Rivers. He arrived on July 1, 2023, having previously served as assistant head of school at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, a PK–12 school of 1,240 students in San Juan Capistrano, CA. There, he created a unique student-centered Innovation Strategy rooted in design thinking that has been recognized nationally in the world of independent schools. At Rivers, Ryan continues that approach of student-centered learning, built on a foundation of strong relationships and the school’s philosophy of Excellence with Humanity.
"Above all, I value deeply personal relationships between educators and students. They are at the heart of a transformational education."
—HEAD OF SCHOOL RYAN S. DAHLEM
—HEAD OF SCHOOL RYAN S. DAHLEM
Ryan graduated from Stanford University with an AB in psychology and from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum. He is a trained musician and avid mountaineer who has climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Ryan and his wife, Anne, have three children: Peter, Ella, and Colin.
Ryan was initially drawn to The Rivers School for its mission, core values, and tradition of Excellence with Humanity, which, he said, resonates deeply with his own educational philosophy. Building on the school’s momentum, he is delighted to lead Rivers into its next chapter.
MEET RYAN S. DAHLEM
Ryan S. Dahlem, our ninth head of school, spent several days on the Rivers campus before his official arrival. He visited classrooms, met with students and faculty members, and began the process of becoming a member of the Rivers community. We caught up with him on one of his early visits, and in this video, he shares his first impressions of the school and his excitement about his new role.
Head of School News
List of 3 news stories.
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Welcome Back Barbecue Draws Hundreds to Celebrate the Start of School
On the first Friday of the academic year, parents and caregivers, students, and members of the professional community gathered on campus in the evening to reconnect and celebrate the start of school at the Rivers Welcome Back Barbecue. With more than 540 community members registered for the event, “the energy and excitement for the start of a new school year were palpable,” said Director of Family and Alumni Engagement Janet McKeeney.Read More -
Opening Day 2025: Branching Out
Clear skies and warm smiles welcomed the Rivers community on Tuesday, September 2, with new and returning students and teachers greeting each other bright and early on the first day of the 2025–26 academic year.Read More -
Joyful Connections at The Rivers School’s BIPOC Picnic
The Rivers School kicked off the new academic year with its beloved annual back-to-school picnic for families of students of color, a vibrant event that brought together close to 200 students, families, and members of the professional community. Held on the Lank Quadrangle outside of Revers, the gathering was a chance for both new and returning families and students to connect in a casual, upbeat setting, facilitated by Rivers’ DEI team.Read More
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