School Leadership

From the Head of School

I want to welcome and encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our amazing people, place, and program. I also wanted to share a little bit about what we believe, and what makes Kents Hill special.

We believe students are facing unprecedented challenges and an uncertain future.

The world is changing at a rapid pace and problems we thought students would face in their adult lives are here now. Students need to be prepared for anything.

We believe in belonging.

Students are able to grow and thrive when they feel they belong. We meet students where they are so that they become the best version of themselves. Mistakes are treated educationally, not punitively.

We believe students need trusted adults in their lives.

Being a teenager is tricky and families need partners to help young people navigate challenges, make choices, and celebrate successes - and because learning never stops- even when we are on vacation - they need someone in their corner all the time.

We believe education should be both local and global.

Education should be place-based and experiential and to succeed students need to feel comfortable in a global community. We are proud to be grounded in Maine, connected to the world.

Most importantly, we believe in teenagers.

At Kents Hill, teenagers are so much more than a test score.

These core beliefs allow us to provide a transformative educational experience for our community. I can’t wait to meet you and share more.

Best,

Chris P’22, P’24

Christopher S. Cheney

Head of School

About Chris

About Chris

With 25 years of experience in education, Chris has spent his entire professional life preparing young leaders for maximum impact in their careers and communities.

Prior to joining Kents Hill School, Chris served as the Head of School at LEAF Academy in Bratislava, Slovakia; Assistant Dean for Admissions and University Guidance at African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa; and Chair of the Environmental Science Department and Director of College Advising at Kimball Union Academy.

He has also held teaching positions at Colorado Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Williston Northampton School, Milton Academy, and Hanover High School.

Chris is a graduate of Bowdoin College where he earned a degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, and Harvard University where he received a M.Ed. with a concentration in administration, planning, and social policy.

Chris and his partner Lisa are the parents of two daughters, Shea and Zoe.