What happens when you combine a deep love of learning, a passion for educating, and a sharp legal mind?

You get Charlotte Larsen.

And as Rowland Hall’s new Lower School principal (she officially started on January 22), Charlotte is tapping into all of these characteristics as she works to build community among all the groups she’s now leading—students, teachers, families, and staff.

“I want people to know they are seen and cared for,” she said. “My goal is to arrive every single day and show people they’re part of a community that truly values them.”

When it comes to showing up for her community, Charlotte’s focus is on building trust and relationships, both of which are necessary at a school that’s dedicated to being a place where everyone thrives. This work opens many doors, she explained, from helping people feel they belong to allowing for honest conversations. And it’s especially important for ensuring that students learn at their very best.

“Children learn, grow, and thrive when they have a sense of belonging in their learning community—when their identities and perspectives are known and valued,” she said.

Happily for Charlotte, Rowland Hall, where she’s worked since 2013, shares her approach to learning and growing as a community.

“I have immense respect for the people and values of our community,” she said. “I’m honored to serve in a learning community with values and members I care so deeply about.”

Children learn, grow, and thrive when they have a sense of belonging in their learning community—when their identities and perspectives are known and valued.—Charlotte Larsen, Lower School principal

A lifelong learner, Charlotte was drawn to education when, as a college sophomore, she traveled to China to teach English to children. It was a life-changing experience that helped her realize she loved teaching—a career path that would also allow her to continuously learn. A few years later, as a student teacher, Charlotte had another impactful experience when she volunteered for a gubernatorial campaign focused on educational policy. Inspired by this route to strengthen education and support teachers, Charlotte applied to law school. Earning her Juris Doctor and being a judicial clerk were valuable experiences that built critical-thinking and communication skills she still uses today, yet her love of teaching and learning eventually brought her back to the classroom.

“I wanted to do something proactive, not reactive, within education and educational policy,” said Charlotte. “I knew intuitively that for me to create and advocate for better educational communities, I needed to increase my experience as a teacher and an educational leader.”

So Charlotte returned to the classroom, and four years later found a home at Rowland Hall, first in the Middle School, then the fifth grade. In 2017, she tried her hand as an administrator when asked to serve as the Middle School’s interim assistant principal, which she saw as a new avenue for learning and growth. (She dropped the “interim” the next year when she became the division’s official assistant principal.) Then late last year, after filling in at the Lower School during Emma Wellman’s maternity leave, and following the school’s decision to return to a dual principal model on the McCarthey Campus, Charlotte applied to lead the division permanently. Throughout the national search, she rose as the top choice, thanks to her experience, background, and knowledge of the Rowland Hall community.

Now, three months into the role and deeply immersed in her community-building goals, Charlotte is excited about what lies ahead. The campus community is excited, too, knowing that the school’s newest Lower School principal has proven, no matter what role she takes on, that she makes Rowland Hall a better place through her unique background as a dedicated learner, teacher, leader, and lawyer (turns out, conflict dispute resolution training is really valuable for an educator!). 

Congratulations, Charlotte on your new position!

People