Ruth R. Fletcher

Dr. Ruth Fletcher is now in her fourth year as the Head of School and President of St. Andrew’s Schools, a preschool through 12th grade Independent School, in downtown Honolulu.

She is a 1981 graduate of the University of Delaware, earning her undergraduate degree in Biology and Geology. Dr. Fletcher was awarded a master’s degree in Paleontology and a Doctorate in Paleoceanography from the University of Delaware as well. Recognizing that her true passion was to be an educator, Dr. Fletcher then earned a master’s degree in Education through a unique partnership program between the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and the University of Hawaiʻi which focused on Private School Leadership.

Dr. Fletcher is a progressive and innovative educator whose work has impacted thousands of students, families and teachers. Prior to her headship, Dr. Fletcher enjoyed a 24-year career at Punahou School. She served as an Academy science teacher and department head and was instrumental in the visioning and design of the Mamiya Science Center. As an Academy Dean and College Counselor, Dr. Fletcher effectively guided students (and families) through their high school years and into college. In addition, she served as the Dean of Professional Programs and the Director of the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent School/University of Hawaiʻi Master’s Program in Private School Leadership. While at Punahou School, she co-authored Punahou Building Stories: Case Middle School articulating the importance of creating learning environments that inspire students to learn deeply and embrace global, ethical and environmentally friendly mindsets. Fletcher was selected to be part of the HAIS and CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools) task force to redesign the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Procedures for Assessing Independent Schools and create those procedures for HAIS/CAIS. The new procedures and policies have been adopted, approved and implemented by both states.

Since Dr. Fletcher became Head of School at St. Andrew’s, she has led the school in launching and implementing a comprehensive Social Emotional Wellness program from Yale University, raised the largest amount funds in the school’s history, and completed an ambitious campus master planning project. Under her leadership, community partnerships have blossomed (e.g. Kamehameha Schools, The Queen’s Health Systems, Stevens World Peace Foundation, Waikiki Aquarium, The Episcopal Church of Hawaiʻi, Land & Sea Festival) and the school has successfully personalized student learning. The children and the school are flourishing. Her vision for education encourages and inspires students and teachers to be critical and creative thinkers, innovators and collaborators, and compassionate and merciful leaders who have both the courage and will to take action for the greater good and the commitment to care for the planet and the many people on it.