Dear Cary Academy Community,

From the moment he arrived on campus for his first visit in 2012, Mike Ehrhardt recognized something special in Cary Academy — a values-based community rooted in bold vision, adventurous spirit, and a deep commitment to its mission. For more than twelve years, he has led with those same qualities, inspiring us to imagine what’s possible and work together to realize that vision.

With gratitude and admiration, the Board of Directors has accepted Mike’s decision to conclude his tenure as Head of School in June 2027. It has been a privilege to work alongside him, and we are grateful to benefit from his leadership over the next two years as we continue our important work together. This extended transition positions Cary Academy in the best possible way, providing continuity, stability, and the opportunity to prepare thoughtfully for the future, including identifying the next Head of School who will build upon Mike’s extraordinary legacy.

While it is difficult to imagine Cary Academy without Mike at the helm, we celebrate his remarkable leadership under which CA has flourished. He has led a successful capital campaign, spearheaded transformative campus projects, launched innovative academic programs, expanded access through increased financial aid, and championed student well-being. He guided us through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic with calm resolve and compassion, engaging experts, thinking creatively, and listening closely to the needs of our community. Throughout it all, he has offered the steady guidance and principled leadership that have come to define his time at Cary Academy.

He has also led Cary Academy’s evolution into a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, guiding our transition to one of the most diverse independent schools in the region, championing our Universal Declaration, and advancing our steadfast commitment to equity and anti-racism. Most importantly, he nurtured a culture where students, faculty, and staff feel empowered to take risks, grow, and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community — often drawing on stories from the trail or tales of his cats to connect, inspire, and illustrate larger lessons. These accomplishments offer only a glimpse of the lasting impact he has had on Cary Academy.

This past year’s strategic planning process exemplifies the essence of Mike’s leadership: listening deeply, inviting broad participation, and shaping a bold, unified vision for the future. With our new strategic plan as our compass, CA is poised to navigate this transition from a position of institutional strength, with a thriving community ready to build on its strong foundation and to lead with purpose, equity, and impact.

The Board will launch a search for CA’s next Head of School. The Search Committee, composed of members of the Board of Directors, will be led by Monica Udell (Former CA Board Chair, and P ’10, ’15) in partnership with RG175, a firm with deep expertise in independent school leadership. We will invite the community to participate and will share updates as the process unfolds. We will also ensure there are meaningful opportunities to reflect on and celebrate Mike’s remarkable service. In the meantime, Mike will no doubt bring the same vision, energy, and commitment that have defined his leadership, and we look forward to advancing our shared goals and continuing the important work already underway.

Mike’s legacy will live on in the people, programs, and spirit of this remarkable school, shaped by his strategic insight, innovative vision, and steadfast commitment to academic excellence and an inclusive community. Thanks to his leadership, Cary Academy stands ready to write its next chapter, carrying forward the values that have defined his work here and the bold vision that will guide our future — together.

Sincerely,
Trude Reich Bate
Chair, Board of Directors

Dear Trude,

Sometimes, you just know.

From my first step onto the Cary Academy campus in 2012—touring and talking with co-founder Ann Goodnight and incoming Board Chair Monica Udell—I knew this place was special. Yes, the Quad and campus are striking, but it was the founders’ bold vision and the adventurous spirit of the people here that left a lasting impression. Cary Academy was borne of innovation and deep conviction to mission—and that makes it exceptional beyond measure.

Over the years, I’ve collected many stories that get at the heart of the CA experience: the specialness of a place that helps you build the confidence to do hard things. As one alum once told me, Cary Academy students learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. A past parent put it another way: for CA graduates, the world just feels a little bigger.

It’s in that same spirit that I share my own next step. After much reflection, I’ve decided to retire from Cary Academy at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 school year.

Serving this community has been the honor of a three-decade, three-continent career in education. I had anticipated that finding the “right time” to step away would be difficult. But with my own CA graduates now pursuing careers in Washington, DC, and New York City, my wife and I find ourselves drawn to a new season—one with more flexibility and time for family and new adventures.

Sometimes, you just know.

I am deeply proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated, talented, and mission-driven group of educators, staff, and board members. It has been humbling to serve a school so clear in its purpose and so committed to turning vision into reality.

Together, we’ve accomplished much—from the completion of a Campus Master Plan to curricular and programmatic innovations too numerous to list. But most importantly, we’ve built and nurtured a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community—one where students and staff feel safe to take intellectual risks and grow as individuals and as learners. With the Board having just approved a new strategic plan, I am confident that Cary Academy’s next leader will inherit a school with a unified vision and strong momentum.

While a long transition period may feel unusual, I believe this timing allows for a thorough and thoughtful search. I’m confident that CA’s inspiring faculty and staff, vibrant community, and strong Board leadership will attract exceptional candidates. In the meantime, I remain fully committed to the work ahead—until that last walk around the Quad.

With deep gratitude for this extraordinary opportunity and a profound optimism about the exciting future for Cary Academy,

Michael Ehrhardt, Ed.D.
Head of School, Cary Academy