Carrollwood Day School Announces New High School Principal

Carrollwood Day School's new high school principal hails from across the pond.

The school announced this week they had selected Christopher Ryan, a UK native and former computer science and information technology educator.

Ryan graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University, said Shannon Gauthier, Carrollwood Day School spokesperson.

Ryan starts July 1.

Ryan taught computer science and information technology at Washington International School, located in Washington, D.C., where he went on to become head of IT and then assistant high school principal.

After 11 years at Washington International School, Ryan moved to the British School of Washington, another IB school, also located in D.C. and later became assistant head of school in 2011.

"We conducted an international search to identify the right leader to build on the excellence already in place at CDS’s high school," said Mary Kanter, head of school and chair of the Principal Search Committee in a press release. "Christopher Ryan emerged as the committee’s top choice from among the many extremely qualified applicants for this position."

Ryan, who is married and has two sons, said he was overwhelmed by the strong sense of community at Carrollwood Day School.

"I met, students, teachers and parents, when I visited the school in December," Ryan said in the release issued by the school. "This sense of community played a key factor in my choice to accept the position of High School Principal."

Ryan, who spent part of his childhood in New Zealand, calls his philosophy student-centered. After coming to the U.S. in 1998, he pursued a career in IT and coached soccer.

Christopher Ryan replaces Ryan Kelly, the former high school principal who will become Head of School.

"I am extremely excited for Mr. Ryan to join the CDS administrative team and lead the high school to even greater heights," Ryan Kelly said.