As a student, Katie Hahn (she/her/hers) benefited from a school community that encouraged her to think critically, explore her passions, and take ownership over her learning. “Although I experienced strong educational opportunities, as a biracial student I often felt othered within a largely homogenous student body. I want to found an intentionally integrated school that will stimulate students intellectually while celebrating their unique identities and supporting them to find their sense of purpose in our increasingly diverse society.”
Throughout her career, Katie has learned that educational experiences like those she benefited from are rare for all students, and particularly for students of color. Many schools she’s worked in have primarily focused on basic skills for students deemed “at risk” or “high need,” which she sees as an equity issue. “Our school will combine high-level academic content and skills education with a focus on purpose finding, identity development, and community building. This type of environment will equip students to navigate the current workforce and build a better future,” Katie says. Using her background in social work and community schools, Katie and her team will work closely with families and community partners to provide essential wraparound support to students. Katie is partnering with her husband on designing the school, where he will serve as co-director.
Katie recently completed the New School Creation Fellowship with High Tech High Graduate School of Education while earning a master’s in educational leadership. Previously, she served as a program manager in the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Community Schools, and a founding community school director at a sixth through twelfth-grade school in Brooklyn. Katie holds a bachelor’s in social studies from Harvard University and received a master’s in social work from New York University.
