testimonials

farrar richardson, head of middle school, spartanburg day

Ashley Stokes is a thoughtful educator who researches and brings best practices to schools to improve programs. She is a visionary who pushes herself and everyone around her to grow, care for and teach children, and do what is best for them. I worked with Ashley for five years as a fellow division head. She worked tirelessly to restructure almost every aspect of a traditional elementary curriculum to one rooted in an inquiry-based approach along with a workshop model of teaching and learning. She is one of the most talented educators with whom I have worked and she brought an incredible amount of knowledge, professionalism, teamwork, and humor to our leadership team. Ashley sets high expectations for educators with whom she works and expects nothing less of herself.

palmer Ball, independent school financial consultant

Ashley Stokes has a proven track record for program design and curriculum development. She is a visionary who truly understands child development and best practices in education. She brings insight and expertise to enrollment challenges, implementing programs and philosophies with fidelity, and leading meaningful professional development. During our work together, I watched Ashley transform a traditional-based program to an inquiry-based program with children at the core of its development, including innovative outdoor learning spaces. Under Ashley’s leadership the program became stronger and better, and a testament to her vision and fortitude for programmatic improvement. Ashley is a consummate professional who is not afraid to make changes that independent schools need to be making to add value and differentiation with public schools and competition. She is an incredible leader who coaches, mentors, and supports faculty and schools to ensure success. 

Lynn Cuccaro, founder and principal advisor, the global collaborative

It has been my pleasure to work alongside Ashley Stokes as a pedagogical consultant for the development of inquiry curriculum. During our work together, Ashley brought enthusiasm and perseverance to the difficult task of leading a school through the adoption and alignment of new inquiry curriculum across the disciplines. Likewise, Ashley showed tenacity and diligence in taking over the role as Head of the Lower School during a critical response period for the school’s International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. She worked feverishly to create strategic plans that grew and strengthened inquiry pedagogy while also promoting a growth mindset at the school for staff and families alike. I can’t recommend Ashley Stokes highly enough for any role that requires educational expertise as well as the grit and dedication to turn ideas into action.