Welcome from the Head of School

Welcome to Sabot School!

As the Interim Head of School, I am honored to introduce myself and extend a warm welcome to all prospective families considering joining our vibrant community. My journey with Sabot began years ago when I learned about Sabot’s reputation as  school that uses the Reggio Emilia Approach™, dedicated to a child-centered approach to teaching.  Since joining the community in early July, my belief in the unique and transformative impact Sabot has on its students and families has been affirmed.


Since stepping into my role, I have been inspired by the warmth and dedication of the Sabot community. The energy on our campus is truly palpable, and I am committed to providing stability, support, and thoughtful leadership as we prepare for our next permanent Head of School.


At Sabot, we foster a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Our constructivist approach emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity. The adjacent 106-acre Larus Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor education and connection with nature, making learning at Sabot an engaging and enriching experience.

Communication and transparency are vital to my leadership. I encourage you to participate in the various parent/guardian education opportunities and social events we have planned. These gatherings will allow us to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our collective mission.


One of my primary goals this year is to support the transition to our next Head of School. I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth and stable transition and am confident that our community will continue to thrive under the new leadership. We are excited about the future and the opportunities the next leader will bring. For more details about the search, please visit our Head of School Search webpage.


Sabot School is a place of great possibilities, where every child is encouraged to explore, discover, and grow. I invite you to learn more about our unique programs and caring community. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please reach out to me at dmenges@sabotschool.org.


Warm regards,


"I was initially drawn to Sabot School because of its pedagogical approach to teaching young children. As a former long-time elementary grade teacher, as a school administrator, and from my work with Outward Bound, the school’s child-centered, experiential approach to teaching and learning resonates deeply with me and matches my ideological philosophy of education and what I know to be true about educating children.”

Meet Dave Menges

Dave Menges joins Sabot as the Interim Head of School for the 2024=2025 school year, bringing over 30 years of rich educational experience. He earned his Master’s in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s in History from Hobart College, complementing his studies with a formative term abroad in Cairo, Egypt.


For 17 years, Dave was the Head of Lower School at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, VA. There, he managed the junior kindergarten through fifth-grade programs, overseeing curriculum development, student progress, and faculty professional growth. Under his leadership, the Lower School flourished, with Dave fostering a nurturing environment that emphasized academic excellence and community engagement.


Beyond his impactful tenure at St. Christopher's, Dave has held significant roles in educational management and community initiatives, including his recent position at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. He has also actively contributed to various educational boards and conferences. Outside of his professional endeavors, Dave enjoys reading, playing the guitar, biking, and kayaking, bringing a well-rounded approach to his role at Sabot.

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