Since assuming headship in 2020, Head of School Valorie Baker has developed a strategic planning process that is student-focused and mission-directed. In alignment with campus planning and improvement, Mrs. Baker has re-imagined critical areas on campus, including the transformation and opening of the Ron and Angie Bare Lower School Playground and Nichols Family Art Gallery, updating and renovating the heart of the school—the Quad—and refreshing the tennis courts and aquatics facility. Additionally, she has prioritized student health and wellness initiatives by expanding the curriculum and sports offerings for all students. She recently began plans for a new Wellness Center slated to open in the 2024-2025 school year.

While continuing to seek excellence and grow our school, there has been a continued focus on curriculum development by rewriting the K-12 curriculum to emphasize experiential learning opportunities that build a student's prowess in community service, problem-solving, and hands-on learning through internships. St. Johns welcomes students who are ready to take on this challenging program and eager to participate in fellowship programming, Winterim, and global educational opportunities. 

In partnership with the Development and Admission teams, Mrs. Baker has built relationships by introducing an alumni tuition program honoring graduates of St. Johns and ensuring the next generation of Spartans is celebrated both today and tomorrow.

Before she arrived at St. Johns, Mrs. Baker spent more than 20 years serving various schools at different levels. She began her work at Wake Forest University and then served independent schools in the Southeast as a coach, teacher, athletic director, director of counseling, and in admissions, development, and as Head of Middle School. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in beginning new initiatives, revising struggling programs, and launching experiential learning, summer, and faculty programs.

Mrs. Baker and her husband, Gene, have two daughters, Peyton, an engineering consultant in Dallas, and Kellyn, in her senior year of law school.