Introducing Robin Frank

The new head of Boulder Country Day School, on making her way back to Colorado and the moments in between

By Amanda Lacey  »  Photos by Daniel Tustin

Robin Frank is many things: a mother, wife, an outdoors enthusiast and the newly appointed head of Boulder Country Day School (BCD). Her passion for education, connection and curiosity, paired with a deep and extensive experience in pedagogy, curricular design and experiential learning, are just a few of her credentials that are pivotal in her selection to lead BCD.

BCD is a leading private school serving students ages 2 ½ years through eighth grade. Its mission of providing an exceptional educational experience, broadening students’ understanding of the ever-changing world around them, and preparing them to be adaptable, empathetic, and engaged global citizens is one we can all get behind, and Frank strongly supports it.

Frank was born in California and raised in Colorado from a young age. Her family came to Colorado because her dad was part of the Highlands Ranch development team. She grew up and graduated from high school in Parker, then attended college in Florida, where she obtained a B.A. in Marine Science and Business Administration from the University of Miami. She returned to California to pursue her M.A. in Educational Administration at California State University, Northridge.

Having been in education for just about three decades, Frank has put in the work. Starting in experiential education, she realized she had a passion for introducing kids to new experiences and opportunities. She worked at the Catalina Island Marine Institute, which allowed her to work with kids from fourth through 12th grade. She then became a science teacher for grades K-12. These experiences taught her that her sweet spot was fifth through eighth grade. Next, she took on the role of associate head in Bellingham, Washington, where she helped grow St. Paul’s Academy and had the opportunity to truly connect with families—proving that leaning into curiosity and people’s stories is paramount to community. Most recently, she was the lower school head at Campbell Hall Episcopal School in California. 

Delighted to join BCD, Frank has been taking it all in from day one. “Every day has been exciting, learning more about the school and what a remarkable place it is. They really support the kids—they do a beautiful job of learning each child’s story, their family story, what they love and how best they can support them,” she says. “It feels like there are these little gifts all over that I get to open and unwrap and learn a little more about or explore.” 

Excited to trade in the ocean for the mountains, Frank has enjoyed being outside exploring the trails on her gravel bike with her husband and taking her dogs out since returning to Colorado. Skiing and other snow activities are also at the top of her list. Noting the importance of giving back, having previously volunteered with food pantries and Habitat for Humanity, Frank and her family also look forward to finding opportunities and ways to get involved in Boulder.

As a proud mom, Frank shares about her children—her son is a freshman at CU Boulder studying Art Practices, and her daughter just graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Molecular Biology. “My kids are definitely inspirations, they are pretty remarkable and remind my husband and me all the time about what it looks like to have purpose and find joy,” she says.

One thing about Frank that is certain: She doesn’t take any opportunity for granted. “I feel really honored and humbled to have landed at BCD and to be on the shoulders of everyone that came before me, especially the former head, John Suitor,” she says. “I’m really excited about the opportunities we have for our next chapter of leaning into curiosity and helping our kids to ignite global change.”

Keep up with Frank on the BCD website, where she writes Head’s Blog. In a recent post, she shares about “Reading with Robin,” a school-wide reading series designed to spark discovery and dialogue across classrooms, families and generations of the BCD community. She’ll be reading with students in their classrooms and hosting book club dinners for adults who wish to participate. Safe to say this leader is already off to a great start.

Read more of her posts at bouldercountryday.org/about/heads-blog