By Kate Hogan

This fall, Collegiate welcomed a joyful new face to the leadership team: Khristi Bates, our new Head of Lower School. Although she’s only been here a few months, it’s already clear that she fits naturally into Collegiate’s emphasis on love of learning and community. After sitting down with her for an in-depth conversation, I quickly learned how deeply she cares about students, teachers, and the environment we learn in every day.

New Head of Lower School Khristi Bates. Photo credit: @collegiaterva on Instagram.

Originally from Kansas, Bates describes herself and her family as “nomads,” having lived in Wichita, Kansas, then in San Antonio, Texas, for seven years, and now here in Richmond. 

She and her husband have four children: a set of twin boys—one a surgical resident in Omaha, Nebraska, and the other a law student at Texas A&M—a daughter who is a senior at Kansas State University, and a son, Braedyn (‘29), currently a freshman at Collegiate. 

Travel is a major part of the Bates family’s story. With a 12-year age gap between their oldest and youngest, their trips have become a meaningful way to stay connected. Whether they’re exploring beaches, mountains, or national parks, the shared time together has helped them grow closer as a family. Disney World, though, remains a sentimental favorite. “It appeals to everyone in a different way,” Bates said. 

She also admitted that her family tends to be “a little bit of a daredevil family,” recounting ATV rides on Hell’s Revenge in Moab, Utah, ziplining, snorkeling, and an endless list of adventurous vacation memories. “I’m tiny,” she laughed, “but I drove the ATV!”

Bates’ path to Collegiate began before she set foot on campus, but the moment she arrived, she knew it felt right. “When I was on campus for my interview, it was the people,” Bates said. “The genuineness, the sense of community. And the character education here aligns so deeply with what I believe about teaching children.” 

She emphasized how strongly she believes that social emotional learning is just as important as academic learning, particularly in the early years of education. A major part of this philosophy comes from her passion for Responsive Classroom practices—an evidence-based set of teaching practices that helps students feel safe, connected, and engaged. Responsive Classroom focuses on morning meetings, positive language, collaboration, and consistent routines. Bates explained that integrating these practices creates a school environment where students feel seen, valued, and confident. “It shapes how children view themselves as learners,” she said, noting that Collegiate’s commitment to this approach was a major reason she chose to join the community. 

Her path to education began early in her childhood. Her mother and sister are both teachers, and although she once imagined becoming a veterinarian, an internship at 15 made her realize that education was where she truly felt at home. She earned a scholarship as a “future teacher” to Kansas State University and began teaching elementary school in 1995. 

30 years later, she’s taught, mentored, led, and shaped countless students and educators. She explained that what drew her to leadership is her love for supporting teachers: “I love being in the classroom, but even more than that, I love working with and serving the teachers, who then, in turn, serve the students.” 

Her approach to leadership style has been shaped by experiences throughout her life: in high school, serving as vice president of her school’s Thespian Club, being drum major for the marching band, and serving her sorority as the advisory chairman after college. She also credited her teaching at The Independent School in Wichita, Kansas, with helping her grow as a leader. 

When asked about her favorite parts of Collegiate so far, her face immediately lit up as she listed Convocation, Pep Rally, Homecoming festivities, Bingo Night, and the Senior-Kindergartener partnerships. She was especially excited for holiday traditions, including Lessons and Carols, gingerbread decorating, and wreath-making. “I can’t wait,” she said. “And I’ve had a really great time getting to know our Parent Association. And they just are so positive and enthusiastic.”

What Bates enjoys most on a day-to-day basis are the smaller, meaningful moments with students: walking through hallways, popping into classrooms, and connecting with students. Whether it’s packing “Stone Soup” lunches with the Kindergartens, or a 4th Grader stopping by her office to ask a question about Cougar Cubs, “it’s moments like these that remind me why I do this,” she said. “Watching students grow and knowing that they feel supported–that’s the best part of my job. If students leave here loving school, then we’ve done our job.”

What she wants students to remember about their time in the Lower School five or ten years from now is a sense of connection, the discovery of passions, and “knowing they were supported by many adults who truly cared.” Early sparks, like finding out they’re an artist, mathematician, actor, or musician, are moments she hopes students will trace back to their time there. 

Her advice to students this year is simple: “Don’t limit yourself. Try new things. Even if they’re hard. You never know how they could come back into play at some point in the future. Work hard, play hard, and find balance.” 

Warm, genuine, and full of energy, Bates is sure to shape our community in meaningful ways for years to come.