Head of School
Matt Sigrist was named Renbrook School’s 11th Head of School on March 25, 2019, and he officially joined the community on July 1, 2019. Since then, he has fostered a strong sense of belonging, unity of purpose, and enthusiasm for the school. Matt's journey to Renbrook was shaped by a deep passion for teaching, formative leadership experiences, and lessons learned from impactful role models.
Born in St. Louis, MO, and raised in Rochester, NY, Matt attended Williams College, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and captained both the football and baseball teams. After college, his early career included a role with the New York Yankees, followed by coaching positions at Williams and Bowdoin Colleges. Transitioning into secondary education, Matt found his calling in the classroom and on the athletics fields, teaching AP Economics and Math and coaching football and baseball—experiences that solidified his commitment to shaping young minds and fostering a dynamic school culture.
Matt’s leadership journey in independent schools began at Delbarton School, where he served as Middle School Dean, followed by his role as Middle School Director at The Peck School in New Jersey. He then became Director of the Middle School at Norfolk Academy in Virginia, where he played a key role in enhancing the school’s Advisory Program and led initiatives in faculty development, technology integration, and curriculum innovation. These experiences refined his vision for education and prepared him to lead a school with the breadth and energy of Renbrook.
Since arriving at Renbrook, Matt’s approachable demeanor, deep understanding of children and families, and inspiring leadership have made a lasting impact. He is a constant presence on campus—greeting families at carpool, playing trumpet with the band, playing on the fields, and engaging with students of all ages. “As Head, I am the chief servant of the school’s mission,” he says. “My role is to support faculty, provide them with the resources to thrive, and rally around our shared purpose—to ignite curiosity in our students. We achieve this best through strong relationships and true partnerships with families, helping each student reach their full potential.”
Family Life
Matt's commitment to Renbrook goes beyond his passion for the school's mission and his dedication to its students. His four daughters - Katie (18), Anna (16), Ginny (13), and Emma (10) - are Renbrook students and graduates, providing him a unique perspective into the student experience at Renbrook. His dedication to independent education is shared by his wife, Kathleen. Kathleen was the former Director of Admission at Newark Academy (NJ) and is currently the Director of Summer Adventure and Auxiliary Programs and a coach at Renbrook.
“We are grateful our children are part of such an incredible school community. To go to work each day at a place that my whole family is invested in and loves, is a gift."
