Interim Head of School
Gabriel Ortega Announced as Interim Head of School
Gabriel Ortega brings more than 27 years of experience in education and public leadership to his role as Interim Head of School. A seasoned educator, instructional leader, and former mayor, he is deeply committed to fostering strong school communities grounded in relationship-building, academic excellence, and student-centered growth.
Throughout his career, Gabriel has served students from preschool through 12th grade across a wide range of learning environments. As both a general and special education teacher, he has worked with diverse learners, developed differentiated curriculum, and partnered closely with families to ensure every student is known, supported, and challenged. His work reflects a deep understanding of child development, inclusive education, and the importance of cultivating joyful, structured learning environments.
In addition to his classroom leadership, Gabriel has extensive experience in organizational governance and strategic planning. He served two terms as Mayor of the City of Fountain, Colorado, following seven years on the City Council. In those roles, he collaborated with community stakeholders, guided long-term strategic initiatives, and oversaw budgeting and policy development for a growing municipality. This experience sharpened his ability to lead complex organizations, build consensus, and steward resources responsibly鈥攕kills he brings thoughtfully to independent school leadership.
Gabriel also served as a Curriculum Developer for Sigmatech, contributing to the development of supplemental curriculum for the U.S. Space Force JROTC program used nationwide. His background in curriculum design, instructional strategy, and cognitive coaching supports his belief in continuous improvement and professional growth among faculty and staff.
He holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Special Education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University, and completed pre-doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership at the University of Denver.
Gabriel is known for his collaborative leadership style, empathetic listening, and strategic vision. He is dedicated to nurturing a school culture where students thrive academically and personally, faculty feel empowered and supported, and families experience a strong sense of belonging and partnership.
Outside of his professional life, along with Gabriel鈥檚 wife, Abby, and three kids, they call Fountain, CO, home. Their oldest daughter, Isabella, graduated from Colorado State University in the Spring of 2025 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Sofia, a 2023 蘑菇传媒 Kodiak graduate, is currently attending Colorado State as a biology major with a pre-med track. Their son Nicholas is also a proud Kodiak, finishing his 8th-grade year. A native of the great state of Colorado, Gabriel loves camping, spending time outdoors or in his woodshop, and especially loves tending to his flock of chickens as an aspiring amateur homesteader and gardener.
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