Long-time educator Carla Haith has been selected as the new head of school at Mother Caroline Academy, the only tuition-free, all-girls elementary and middle school in Boston, the school’s board of directors said in a recent announcement. She will start on July 1.
Haith will succeed Annmarie Quezada, who held that post at the Dorchester academy for the past six years, the board said, adding that Quezada will continue to lead the school through June to ensure a smooth transition.
Haith, who grew up across the street from the school, said she was honored and excited to be chosen to lead the school, which educates young women from underrepresented communities.
“This feels like a true homecoming,” she said in the announcement. “Mother Caroline Academy is an amazing institution uniquely dedicated to empowering girls and their families to achieve generational growth and development and I am excited to lead a school that holds true to its mission!”
Haith currently is the head of Lower School at Dedham Country Day School, an independent institution serving students in pre-kindergarten to the eighth grade. Her accomplishments there include diversifying both the student body and staff of the Lower School, bringing in more families of color and recruiting male teachers, officials said.
Haith previously taught at Mattahunt Elementary School in Boston and The Chestnut Hill School.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education from Clark Atlanta University with magna cum laude honors, and a master’s in education from Lesley University. Most recently, she earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a 2023 graduate of the National Association of Independent Schools Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads.
Board members said Haith has the experience, passion and commitment to lead the school.
