The Rising Tide Charter Public School Board of Trustees announced on April 1, 2026 that Zahra Williams has been unanimously selected as the next Head of School. Ms. Williams was chosen following an extensive, nation-wide search and will officially assume her role on July 1, 2026, becoming Rising Tide’s third Head of School.
“We look forward to Ms. Williams’ leadership of our Rising Tide community,” said Laura Stearns Flynn, Board of Trustees Chairperson. “We congratulate her and look forward to supporting her through the transition period as she guides Rising Tide from its strong foundation towards the future.”
An accomplished educator, Ms. Williams brings extensive leadership experience and a deep appreciation for academic excellence, a robust school community, and open, supportive spaces for students and faculty. She has nine years of experience at Rising Tide, including three years as the Principal and Assistant Head of School, six years as an Upper School Spanish teacher, and several years of faculty leadership roles, including the Senior Internship Coordinator and the World Languages Department Chair. Ms. Williams earned her B.A. in Spanish from Wellesley College and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. Prior to her time at Rising Tide, Ms. Williams taught middle and high school Spanish at Queens Collegiate in New York City.
“I am incredibly honored to be appointed as the next Head of School,” said Ms. Williams. “I genuinely love Rising Tide, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this wonderful school. In my new role, I plan to continue working to ensure that our students, families, and staff feel seen and supported as valued members of our school community. We have a truly amazing group of people who make Rising Tide the place where I love to work, and I look forward to working hard each day to continue the great work of my incredible predecessors, Ms. Crafts and Mr. O’Keefe.”
Mrs. Williams will succeed Michael O’Keefe, Head of School, who will be a valuable resource through the end of the school year. Rising Tide is incredibly grateful for the leadership Mr. O’Keefe provided over the past eight years.
