Introducing New Bush Upper School Director Ingrid Gustavson

Ingrid brings to Bush a strategic, dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven leadership style, shaped by more than two decades of experience in independent schools. She is a seasoned educator and visionary administrator, deeply committed to fostering academic excellence, supporting faculty, and nurturing thriving student communities. 

 

Since 2016, Ingrid has served as Upper School Principal at Rowland Hall School in Salt Lake City, Utah, a vibrant co-educational day school serving 986 students from Preschool through Grade 12. During her time at Rowland Hall, Ingrid led Upper School faculty and staff in the development of an innovative, student-centered curriculum, an intentional and inclusive model for student belonging and support, and a path towards a new campus in the fall of 2026.

 

“When I set foot on campus I was able to see for myself what a vibrant, engaged, and caring place Bush is,” Ingrid said. “Students, faculty, and staff were so clearly proud of their school, and one person after another described a place of mutual trust and respect between faculty and students, who are truly centered in their learning. I am honored that the community chose me as their next Upper School Director!”

 

Ingrid joins The Bush School at an exciting and pivotal moment in our history, as we also welcome Sarah Smith, as Bush's tenth Head of School. With a shared commitment to innovation, equity, and exceptional student learning, Ingrid will play a key role in leading the continued growth of the Upper School. Her leadership and deep experience will be instrumental in sustaining the stability and program excellence established during Matt Lai’s years of leadership and in launching bold new initiatives, including the Methow Semester School, a distinctive, place-based academic experience for high school students, alongside other transformative educational opportunities on the horizon.

 

“I look forward to working with incoming head Sarah Smith, along with faculty, staff, admin and students to focus on the school's future while grounded in Bush's progressive values and commitment to being a place where everyone is valued and can thrive,” Ingrid said. 

 

Ingrid began her career in education at The Webb Schools in Claremont, California, where she served as a history teacher, advisor, coach, and dorm parent. Her early work in both residential and day school settings—including summer appointments at Idyllwild Arts Academy as a teacher and dean of students—reflects her deep-rooted passion for holistic student development and interdisciplinary learning.

 

She went on to serve in academic leadership roles at Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, California, where she taught history and French, chaired the History Department, and later served as Dean of Faculty. Ingrid’s journey also includes her tenure as Director of Studies at Darrow School in New York, further strengthening her expertise in curriculum design and strategic academic leadership.

 

Ingrid joins the Bush community along with her husband, Kurt and their two sons, Kai '23 and Luc '25, who both attended Rowland Hall. It was a very memorable family trip to the Pacific Northwest ten years ago that put Seattle on the map for the Gustavson-Dowdle family. Their love of the outdoors, the arts, sports, and good food came together for them in Seattle. Kai was the first to move (University of Washington '27) and now Ingrid and Kurt are thrilled to follow with Luc still deciding on his post-graduation plans. 

 

Ingrid holds an M.A. in Art History from Williams College and a B.A. in French and Art History from Bowdoin College. 

 

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Upper School Director Search Advisory Committee, along with the many students, families, faculty, and staff who met with finalist candidates and offered thoughtful feedback. Your voices were integral to this process, and we are excited to welcome Ingrid—and her family—into our community this summer.