Leadership
Meet the people who govern Saint Stephen's in trust for the families we serve - the Head of School and members of the volunteer Board of Trustees.

Peter A. Kraft, Head of School
Greetings from Saint Stephen’s! From the moment I first walked through SSES’s gates, I had the same feeling as I do today: this is a place where all are welcomed.
Saint Stephen’s was founded on a promise: “that every child will be known and every child will be valued.” This does not happen by accident. Teachers work hard to learn each student’s strengths, their areas for growth, and what brings them joy. In this way, Saint Stephen’s is deeply relational, premised on the core belief that a love of learning and a fundamental sense of integrity stem from students being seen and feeling encouraged to stretch themselves academically, athletically, and artistically.
Saint Stephen’s also believes in balance. While our commitment to academic excellence and a world-class preparation for college means that students will be challenged in ways they have never been before, we never forget learning should be enjoyable. With special traditions like Cookie Break, the Halloween Hootenanny, Interim Quest (IQ), and the Blessing of the Animals, we know that students need a chance to slow down and just enjoy being kids.
Finally, Saint Stephen’s is dynamic. From our state-of-the-art Marine Science Center to our robust global programming to our best-in-state Athletics and Arts programs, there is something for everyone here. Our students are all-state athletes, champion Model UN participants, award-winning playwrights, accomplished classicists, world travelers, and community volunteers. They also care deeply about each other and the world around them.
So come visit us and see for yourself what makes Saint Stephen’s such a wonderful place; you are welcome here!
About the Head of School
A native of Pittsburgh, Peter attended The Lawrenceville (N.J.) School and graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from the College of William and Mary. Peter subsequently earned his master’s in U.S. history from the University of Virginia. He was a Klingenstein Fellow at Columbia University Teachers College, where he received a degree in Private School Leadership. His graduate work at Columbia focused on curricular innovation. Peter has been a teacher and administrator in independent schools for more than 25 years, working at the Groton School, Northfield Mount Hermon, Peddie School, Park Tudor School, and Oregon Episcopal School (OES). An avid sports fan and longtime football and basketball coach, Peter also enjoys writing, travel, and fitness.
- M.A., Columbia University Teachers College
- M.A., University of Virginia
- B.A., The College of William and Mary
Board of Trustees
Todd McClure
President
Suzy Bracken
Vice President
Hugh MacArthur
Vice President
Melissa Harris
Treasurer
Janelle VanHoose-Esposito
Secretary
Peter A. Kraft
Head of School
Jennifer Alokeh
Carlos Beruff
Reverend Michael Brady
Brian Carter
Cassandra Farr
Curtis Hamlin ’02
Shawn Kaleta
Sally McClure
Christopher “Chip” Moll
Tyler Pullen ’98
Michael Sawyer
John “Gib” Semmes
Veronica Thames
John B. Tucker, III ’00
