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Getting to Know Head of Lower School Ashley Heller
As she begins her first full year as Head of Lower School, Ashley Heller is building on the strong foundation that has long defined Calvert’s approach to educating young learners. She joined the Calvert faculty in 2025, bringing 17 years of experience as a teacher, learning specialist, and school leader. Before coming to Calvert, Mrs. Heller served as Vice Principal and Interim Principal at KIPP DC: Connect Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Elon University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from The Catholic University of America.
Last fall, Mrs. Heller oversaw Calvert's learning support and enrichment programs before becoming the Interim Head of Lower School in January. Since then, she has become a familiar presence throughout the Lower School community, working closely with students, faculty, and families. In addition, she is a proud Lower School and Kiddie Calvert Tuscany parent!
We asked Mrs. Heller to reflect on her journey as an educator, the joy she finds in working with students, and her hopes for the year ahead.
Why did you want to become an educator?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be an educator. I grew up in a family with many educators and had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact they had on students and families. I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful career. Before coming to Calvert, I spent seventeen years as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and eventually a school leader at an inner-city charter school in Washington, D.C. Throughout those years, my passion for creating joyful, equitable spaces where students can learn and thrive continued to grow. I am thrilled to continue that work at Calvert.
What inspires you most about working in a school?
The students! It is an absolute privilege to support students in their learning and to watch them grow into confident, curious young adults. Every day brings new opportunities to learn from them, celebrate their growth, and help them discover what they are capable of.
What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school?
I always enjoyed reading class, both reading a fiction book for fun and learning to read about new places, people, and ideas, especially through history.
What is your favorite Calvert tradition so far?
There are so many to choose from, but I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to sit with students and read through their Folder Papers each month. It is so much fun to hear about what they are learning, the new interests they have discovered, and the challenges they have faced. It is also special to see the growth across the Lower School, from Seventh Age, when students begin Folder Papers, through Tenth Age. Seeing how their thinking, interests, and voices develop over those years is a wonderful reminder of what makes a Calvert education so special.
What excites you most for the school year ahead?
I am excited to continue learning more about Calvert and becoming more involved across the community. It is such a special place to work, as well as to be a parent, and I am looking forward to continuing to build relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
What advice would you give to alumni who are considering careers in education?
I would be thrilled to see more Calvert alumni pursue careers in education. More than ever, we need smart, hardworking people who are passionate about working with young people and becoming educators. We are fortunate to currently have six alumni teaching in the Lower School this year! My advice would be to seek out opportunities to work across multiple grade levels and in different settings as you explore the field. There are so many benefits to working with different ages and subject areas, and gaining a range of experiences can help you discover the environment and role that are the best fit for you. Most importantly, spend time in classrooms. You’ll learn so much from the students and teachers around you.
Calvert School is a coed independent lower and middle school.
