We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Rachel Ballard has been appointed as the inaugural Head of School. This marks a significant milestone in the journey toward the school’s grand opening in the fall of 2025.
The search for the right leader to helm Kingdom Heights was extensive and thoughtful. Led by Dr. Mark Rutland, the search committee reviewed numerous candidates from across the Southeast. In the end, a distinguished panel of educators and leaders, including the respected retired Head of School, Mr. Don Barfield, unanimously selected Dr. Ballard for her exceptional qualifications, leadership, and dedication to Christian education.
Dr. Ballard brings an impressive resume to Kingdom Heights, with experience leading prestigious schools in the Baltimore area. Her most recent role was serving as the Director of Equity and Innovation for Madison County Schools. In this position, she seamlessly integrated Kingdom values into a secular school environment—demonstrating her passion for Christian principles and her innovative approach to education.
A long-time active member of The Rock Family Worship Center, Dr. Ballard is deeply connected to the local community and the vision of Kingdom Heights. Her heart for raising up Christ-centered leaders aligns perfectly with the school’s mission of developing students academically, spiritually, and socially. With Dr. Ballard at the helm, Kingdom Heights is set to become a beacon of both academic excellence and spiritual growth in the region.
“We believe Dr. Ballard’s leadership will be transformative—not only for our students but for our entire community,” said Dr. Rutland. “Her deep commitment to living out biblical principles and her visionary approach will inspire a generation of bold followers of Christ.”
This is just the beginning of the exciting journey for Kingdom Heights Preparatory. Under Dr. Ballard’s leadership, the school is poised to make a lasting impact on students and the broader Huntsville community for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to the grand opening of Kingdom Heights Preparatory!
