Khadija Fredericks
Each month RG175 does a "deeper dive" to get to know one of our Independent School colleagues. This month we are spotlighting Khadija Fredericks, Head of School at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School. Khadija was appointed Head of School at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School in 2018. In nearly 30 years as an educator, she previously served as the Director of Lower School and Director of Admissions at St. Paul's Episcopal School in Oakland, following a decade as a classroom teacher. Khadija holds a Master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University and earned her bachelor’s degree at San Francisco State University. Khadija is an active speaker and conference presenter; she completed an NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, has served as an Accreditation Team Member for the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and serves on the CAIS Elementary Board of Standards.
What’s your connection to RG175?
RG175 is the search firm that I was hired through for my first headship at Saint Andrew's Episcopal School. I am also currently using RG175 for our school's search for a Lower School Division Head.
Can you summarize your experience working with RG175?
I truly enjoy the camaraderie and the professionalism of everyone whom I have come into contact with at RG175. They are also very personable and responsive. I remember meeting two consultants at a cafe in the Oakland Airport. The fact that they took time between flights to connect with me was priceless. The relationship also doesn't stop after the hiring is over. I was able to reconnect and take advantage of unofficial mentorship as I moved forward in my headship journey. There feels like there's an investment in you as a person and your career.
As a client of RG175, I appreciate the experience that our consultant brings to the table. I am also thrilled with the breadth and depth of research that he did on our school and the diversity of candidates that we have to choose from, including background, experience, gender, race, etc.
If you had one thing to recommend to other candidates, what would it be?
Find the leadership position that is right for you. No need to try to fit into a community that is not reflective of your character, values, philosophy, culture, etc. The right opportunity will present itself when the time is right.
What do you enjoy most about your job as it pertains to Independent Schools?
Independent schools are a gem! The ability to be able to institute positive change with the support of your administration, faculty, board of trustees and greater community is a gift unto itself. I have appreciated the flexibility and creativity that I am able to impart into everything that I do.
What are some of your greatest achievements?
Increasing enrollment, helping mobilize the new marketing and branding of the school, right sizing all aspects of the school, streamlining processes and procedures throughout the school, supporting the school through COVID (including instituting protocols to keep the community safe), leading the school through a successful accreditation process.
What I am most proud of is the collaboration with this incredible community and the movement we have been able to make in the last four years.
How has Covid-19 affected your job/business and how have you adapted?
Covid-19 has affected our school like it has many others. The fear and concern around the pandemic varies and it can be challenging to manage this at times. Open conversations and sharing timely information has helped quite a bit. It feels like we are moving through this next wave with a bit of ease. Vaccines and boosters have eased some of the tensions that might otherwise be felt. School is happening and children are showing up daily engaged, happy and ready to learn. The teachers show up the same way and that is a blessing.
Anything you would like to add?
RG175 is a premier search firm for independent schools. I feel fortunate to have been able to connect with such an intellectual group of professionals.