The Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Rodree Carlile to be the Head of School for Highlands Elementary. Carlile took over the role on January 6, 2025, after serving as the principal at Kings Manor Elementary since 2022.
“Becoming the principal of Highlands Elementary School is both an honor and a thrilling opportunity,” Carlile said. “Opening a brand-new campus is a unique challenge, and I’m excited to shape its culture, vision, and traditions from day one.”
Mr. Carlile has over 14 years of experience in education. He has served as an agricultural science teacher, student support program supervisor, elementary assistant principal, middle school assistant principal, and elementary campus principal. In his 14 years of experience, he has worked at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Crosby ISD, and New Caney ISD.
Mr. Carlile earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from Sam Houston State University and his Master of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
In his new role, Mr. Carlile is excited to create an innovative learning environment through STEM education and the IB Primary Years Programme, and to form a team of educators at HES that are passionate about that innovation.
“I look forward to fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students through STEM-based exploration, while also encouraging global-mindedness and collaboration through the IB framework,” Carlile said. “Watching Highlands Elementary grow into a place where students develop a love for learning and discovery, especially through STEM and IB opportunities, is something I’m truly excited to be part of.”
Highlands Elementary will open in August 2025. For more information on the application process and enrollment, visit the Highlands Elementary website.
Highlands Elementary School is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Highlands Elementary believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.