RABUN GAP, Ga. — Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School has appointed Robert “Bob” Ahrens as its 12th head of school, effective July 1, 2026.
The school’s Board of Trustees approved Ahrens’ appointment following a national search. The recommendation was unanimous from both the Head of School Search Committee and the board. Ahrens will succeed Jeff Miles, who has led the school since 2019 and will become head of school at Athens Academy.
Search committee co-chairs Kate Maine and Niles Bolton described Ahrens as a visionary leader who values the school’s history and mission.
“He recognizes the distinct needs and contributions of both boarding and day families and is committed to preserving the unique character of our Rabun Gap student body,” Maine and Bolton said in a joint statement. “Bob possesses a genuine gift for connecting with others and looks forward to deeply engaging with our students, employees, alumni and parents.”
Ahrens brings more than 25 years of experience in boarding and day schools. Most recently, he served five years as head of school at Saratoga Independent School in upstate New York. During his tenure, the school reported enrollment growth, record philanthropic support, implementation of a strategic plan, expanded faculty professional development and curriculum innovation.
Before that, Ahrens spent two decades in Ohio, including leadership roles at Andrew Osborne Academy, where he served as assistant head of school for academics and director of upper school. There, he established a Global Scholars Program and expanded academic offerings. His career also includes service as dean of students, dean of middle school, academic director and mathematics teacher.
Ahrens earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Villanova University. He frequently presents at national education conferences and leads accreditation reviews.
“From my earliest conversations with members of this community, it was clear that Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is far more than a school. It is a family united by mission and shared values,” Ahrens said. “I am humbled and honored to serve as the next head of school. My family and I look forward to embracing the beauty of the local area and immersing ourselves in the daily life, traditions and spirit of Rabun Gap.”
Ahrens and his wife, Lindsey, have four children — Brady, Ryan, Ashley and Finnegan — and plan to live on campus beginning in July 2026.
School leaders said Ahrens steps into the role at a strong moment in the institution’s history. Rabun Gap recently completed a $10 million capital campaign that restored its main academic building, Hodgson Hall, in 2024. The school also reported record enrollment and was named the No. 1 boarding school in Georgia by Niche in 2025.
“Mr. Ahrens will join Rabun Gap at a time of remarkable strength — a direct reflection of the work of our employees and the commitment of our families,” Maine and Bolton said. “His appointment as head of school marks a significant milestone in our history, and we are eager to see the energy and vision he will bring to our campus.”
