Incoming Head of School - Valorie Baker
Valorie is looking forward to connecting with faculty and parents and getting to know the FCDS community during several visits throughout the year. She will be on campus November 13 and 14. Valorie officially begins on July 1, 2026.
Valorie has more than 20 years of experience in independent school leadership. Since 2020, she has served as Head of School at St. Johns Country Day School in Jacksonville, Florida. Previously, she was Head of Middle School at Webb School of Knoxville, Director of Auxiliary Programs at Palmer Trinity School, and Director of Counseling and Student Support Services at Episcopal School of Jacksonville.
A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Valorie earned her M.Ed. in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville. She is excited to return to Winston-Salem, where she served as Head Volleyball Coach at Wake Forest University for 10 years.
“I am honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to join Forsyth Country Day School as its next Head of School,” Valorie said. “FCDS has a long tradition of excellence, community, and care, and I look forward to building upon that strong foundation.”
Valorie and her husband Gene, who have been married for 30 years, have two adult daughters, Peyton and Kellyn. Both were born in Winston-Salem. Peyton is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and is a consultant at EY in Dallas, Texas, and Kellyn earned her bachelor's degree from Ole Miss and recently graduated from Elon University School of Law.
Q&A with Valorie Baker
What are you most looking forward to about returning to the Winston-Salem area? What's a favorite memory from your time here?
Winston-Salem holds a special place in our hearts. Our children were born there, our careers flourished, and we formed lasting friendships. I appreciate the change of seasons, the accessibility to both the mountains and the ocean, and the enduring Southern hospitality. I have many fond memories, including running the trails by Wake with friends, enjoying dinner at the Village Tavern, and cheering on the Deacs! We are excited to create new memories this second time around with the community of Forsyth Country Day School.
What first drew you into education, and what keeps you passionate about it?
Coming from a family of educators, I have always understood the importance and value of a well-rounded education. Teaching is akin to coaching, and it is incredibly fulfilling to help individuals grow and become their best selves, whether in athletics or in the classroom. Now, as a Head of School, I enjoy collaborating with students, school leaders, and parents.
Education is a constantly evolving field that presents new strategies, expectations, and predictions for the future. The challenge of providing the best opportunities for students, as well as continuing to learn and collaborate with other professionals, continues to fuel my passion for education.
What do you enjoy most about working with pre-k through twelfth grade students?
What I enjoy most about working with pre-k through twelfth-grade students is witnessing and contributing to their development across various life stages. Having had the pleasure of coaching and teaching students from ages 3 through college, I've gained a deep understanding and appreciation for each developmental phase. This experience equips me to help nurture healthy and competent individuals.
What excites you most about coming to Forsyth Country Day?
It is difficult to identify just one aspect of a school that offers numerous opportunities and experiences. Through my interactions with different members of the community, I have observed a caring and talented faculty and staff, as well as a community that takes pride in its school. There is ongoing support for the institution, which fosters both growth and evolution. The tagline "For What's Ahead"
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