- Oak Hall School opens the 2026-27 academic year with a record enrollment of 989 students and new head Dr. Karin Montini.
- Dr. Karin Montini is the first woman to lead Oak Hall School since its founding in 1970 and has extensive experience with the school.
- Oak Hall launched the “Two Spaces. One Vision” campaign in October 2025 to fund two new gymnasiums with groundbreaking in December 2025.
Oak Hall School is beginning the 2026-27 academic year with a record enrollment of 989 students and new leadership as Dr. Karin Montini assumes the role of head of school.
According to an Oak Hall release, Montini, who was unanimously selected by the Oak Hall Board of Trustees, becomes the first woman to lead the independent school since its founding in 1970.
The leadership transition comes as Oak Hall continues a period of sustained growth while maintaining its longstanding reputation for academic excellence, accomplished faculty and a student-centered educational experience.
Guided by the theme “Steady Ground. Forward Motion.,” Montini said she plans to build on the school’s traditions while preparing students and the institution for future opportunities.
“Through her years of service to the school, Karin has developed a deep understanding of our mission, our culture and the aspirations we hold for the future,” said Jennifer Hunt, chair of the Oak Hall Board of Trustees, in the release. “Her dedication to Oak Hall and her commitment to our students position her well to lead the school into its next chapter.”
Montini has served Oak Hall in multiple capacities, including as a parent, trustee, director of teaching and learning and associate head of school for institutional advancement. Before entering school administration, she spent several years as a classroom educator, an experience she said continues to shape her belief that exceptional schools are built through strong relationships, outstanding teachers and a steadfast commitment to students.
She earned a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a Doctor of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. During her tenure at Oak Hall, she has helped strengthen academic programs, support faculty development, advance institutional initiatives and guide the school through successful Florida Council of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Independent Schools accreditation processes.
Montini succeeds Dr. James Hutchins, who served as head of school for nine years. During his tenure, the school experienced growth in academics, facilities, enrollment, philanthropy and student programming, according to the release
The school launched its “Two Spaces. One Vision” campaign in October 2025 to fund two new gymnasiums. Oak Hall School held a groundbreaking for the two gyms in December 2025 and a beam signing in May.