Leadership

Equipping our students with the ability to speak multiple languages fluently and develop critical thinking skills within the context of international mindedness is a purposeful, daily experience. We provide our students with the essential tools to be not only prepared for university but also to have a real and meaningful impact on the world they will inherit. ISB is a school that develops thoughtful, reflective, and authentic individuals who can think independently and autonomously through the lens of an interconnected and international perspective, something the world needs more than ever. Head of School Richard Ulffers P'28

Meet Richard Ulffers, Head of School

Richard Ulffers became ISB’s Head of School on July 1, 2016, bringing with him nearly 20 years of experience in international and bilingual education, the last 16 spent at the French American International School of San Francisco (FAIS).

During his tenure at FAIS, Mr. Ulffers became an expert in the French national curriculum, the French Baccalaureate, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. As the Assistant Head of School, he focused on strategy and vision and marketing the school in the highly-competitive San Francisco market. He was seen as an ambassador for French bilingual education in the greater San Francisco area.

Before becoming the Assistant Head of School, Mr. Ulffers served as the FAIS High School Principal, responsible for both the French Baccalaureate and the International Baccalaureate tracks. In this role, he successfully grew the high school’s local and international visibility; recruited and retained faculty from around the world; enhanced the college counseling department; developed the sports and arts offerings; and helped students secure robust college placements at universities such as Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Yale, Stanford, U.C. Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and Cornell.

Mr. Ulffers leads international school accreditation team visits with the Council of International Schools and served on the FAIS Board’s Strategic Planning Committee. He speaks proficient French and deeply understands the diversity of families at international schools. He is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Board. 

In addition to being the Head of School, Mr. Ulffers and his wife Cynthia are part of the ISB parent community. Their daughter Stella entered first grade when he started at ISB, and she is now a member of the Upper School.