welcoming our new head of school
The appointment of our new Head of School marks an important milestone in Millennium School's journey. Join us in celebrating this transition as we look forward to a bright future under new leadership.
DEAR MILLENNIUM COMMUNITY,
We are overjoyed to announce that Lizzie Rogal has accepted our invitation to serve as the next Head of Millennium School, beginning on July 1, 2025.
Lizzie was selected from a competitive pool of diverse and talented candidates after a thorough search process that engaged students, parents, faculty, staff, and trustees. Lizzie impressed the community with her authentic alignment with our mission and her previous success running two leading Bay Area independent middle schools. In their unanimous recommendation to the Board, the HOS Search Committee noted that Lizzie’s infectiously positive energy, passion for adolescent education, spirit for innovation, and proven track record of building inclusive communities grounded in awareness and compassion were uniquely aligned with our vision for leadership at Millennium.
Lizzie is a dedicated and innovative educator with over 18 years of experience in adolescent education. She currently serves as the Middle School Head at San Francisco Friends School where she oversees academic and student programs that enhance student learning, engagement, and connection. Previously Lizzie was at Crystal Springs Uplands School, where she served as the Head of Middle School and the Dean of Students. Before this, Lizzie taught sixth-grade humanities at Blue Oak School, where she developed curricula rooted in social justice. Before stepping into school leadership Lizzie founded BOCA Farm, a community-based agricultural hub in Napa where she blended her passion for education with sustainability, creating place-based learning experiences that fostered connections between students, families, and the local farming community.
In addition to her administrative expertise, Lizzie has earned a Master of Education degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education with a focus on nonprofit management, school design, and leadership for social justice. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College with a major in Religion and a Minor in Asian Studies. Over the years Lizzie has also participated in numerous professional development programs focused on social-emotional learning, restorative justice, and progressive education.
The Board of Trustees would like to express its deep gratitude to the search committee members, parents, faculty, and staff who shared their valuable time and feedback over the past few weeks. This inclusive and comprehensive selection process has challenged us to re-align on who we are, where we’re headed, and what matters to us most. Millennium prides itself on our ability to attract talented, mission-aligned leaders who balance heart-based purpose with an unwavering commitment to excellence in execution. To ensure this tradition continues, we will soon form a Transition Team to guide Lizzie’s successful integration into our community over the next 18 months. We look forward to having Lizzie on campus later this school year to celebrate her arrival with you all in person.
Wishing you all a joyful remaining calendar year,
Jeff Snipes
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Welcome from the Incoming Head of School, Lizzie Rogal
Dear Millennium Community,
I am thrilled and honored to be joining Millennium as its third Head of School. For years, I have been intrigued by Millennium School’s mission, its brilliant approach to the middle school student experience, and its innovative, integrated academic program. Now, after being immersed in the program through the interview process, my intrigue has evolved into awe.
During my visit, I was struck by the countless interactions I observed between adults and students that reflected the school’s joyful, trusting, and respectful culture. The school reminded me of the best kind of treehouse – a warm, safe, collectively-built place of comfort, inquiry, and exploration. I was impressed to see how quickly the school has settled into its new space at 888 Turk Street. This is a testament to the hard work accomplished by Roberto, Newton, Aya, and the whole team, as well as evidence of the durability and adaptability of a dynamic school culture.
I sense that Millennium today is more sure of itself than ever before; I observed consensus among students, parents and guardians, and guides and staff about what the community is committed to preserving, and where we might grow, as we forge ahead in the years to come. During a conversation on my visit days, an experienced Guide shared that this moment feels like “the blank page before the title page of the next chapter.” I can’t wait to turn the page with you!
So much of my personal story feels aligned with the “Millennium Way.” During my decade working with middle school students, I’ve developed a deep love for this distinctive chapter of the human experience. Those of us whose calling is working with middle schoolers must have a unique kind of confidence: comfort with spontaneity and change, adventurousness, and a commitment to authenticity. I am overjoyed to be immersed in work that serves – with such carefully tailored attention and technique – this wonderful phase of development.
The school wouldn’t be where it is without its ongoing visionary leadership, the dedication of its families, and the wisdom and energy of the Guides and administrators who’ve worked tirelessly to define and shape the program. I am humbled by the pioneering work they have accomplished and feel deeply privileged to carry forward the mission.
As I assume leadership of Millennium, I will be committed to listening deeply, learning at every turn, and finding opportunities to engage with all of you. I hope that in the coming months, I’ll have the chance to introduce you to my husband, Keith, and also our young children Violet (5 years) and Clay (9 months). What a gift it will be for them to grow up in proximity to the spirit and transformative culture that is embodied by Millennium School.
See you soon!
Lizzie
