Full Name
Polly Fredlund
Job Title
Head of School
School/Organization
Westover School
Speaker Bio
Polly Oppmann Fredlund was appointed the eighth Head of School at Westover School, starting in July 2023. She is an independent school leader with extensive experience in enrollment, strategic planning, and change management.
In addition to her position as Westover’s Head of School, Polly’s background in educational leadership includes serving as an Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment Management and Communications, Director of the Center for Girls’ and Women’s Leadership, Assistant Director of Upper School, English teacher, coach, outdoor leader, and advisor at schools including her alma mater Hathaway Brown School (Shaker Heights, OH), The Bush School (Seattle, WA), National Cathedral School (Washington, D.C.), and Forest Ridge (Seattle, WA).
In her Convocation remarks this fall, Polly reflected, “We are at a complex time in our world’s history, full of contradictions and polarization, and we need our students to step into the arena. As a head of school, I understand the privilege of what it means to receive a independent school education. And with this privilege, comes responsibility—to give back, to think critically, to question, and to create a life that centers contribution to the greater good.”
Polly is a community builder who believes in the power of education. She has taught an interdisciplinary class in women’s leadership, collaborates with faculty on professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, champions advancement and fundraising, and works with the Board to set vision and strategic priorities.
Polly received her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literary Studies from Northwestern University and a master’s in education from the University of Vermont. Her undergraduate studies concentrated on women’s literature and African studies, including travel to East Africa to study African history, literature, and women’s studies.
Polly is a life-long learner and athlete who enjoys reading, getting outdoors, running, and traveling to destinations new and familiar. Her family includes her husband Camron, two daughters Sigrid and Louisa, and their pack of three lovable dogs Flip, Trib, and Blue.
Follow Polly on her leadership journey on Instagram @westover_headofschool
In addition to her position as Westover’s Head of School, Polly’s background in educational leadership includes serving as an Assistant Head of School, Director of Enrollment Management and Communications, Director of the Center for Girls’ and Women’s Leadership, Assistant Director of Upper School, English teacher, coach, outdoor leader, and advisor at schools including her alma mater Hathaway Brown School (Shaker Heights, OH), The Bush School (Seattle, WA), National Cathedral School (Washington, D.C.), and Forest Ridge (Seattle, WA).
In her Convocation remarks this fall, Polly reflected, “We are at a complex time in our world’s history, full of contradictions and polarization, and we need our students to step into the arena. As a head of school, I understand the privilege of what it means to receive a independent school education. And with this privilege, comes responsibility—to give back, to think critically, to question, and to create a life that centers contribution to the greater good.”
Polly is a community builder who believes in the power of education. She has taught an interdisciplinary class in women’s leadership, collaborates with faculty on professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, champions advancement and fundraising, and works with the Board to set vision and strategic priorities.
Polly received her bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literary Studies from Northwestern University and a master’s in education from the University of Vermont. Her undergraduate studies concentrated on women’s literature and African studies, including travel to East Africa to study African history, literature, and women’s studies.
Polly is a life-long learner and athlete who enjoys reading, getting outdoors, running, and traveling to destinations new and familiar. Her family includes her husband Camron, two daughters Sigrid and Louisa, and their pack of three lovable dogs Flip, Trib, and Blue.
Follow Polly on her leadership journey on Instagram @westover_headofschool
Speaking At