Gretchen Paul
Lehigh University - M.Ed., The George Washington University - M.Ed., The George Washington University - B.A.
Gretchen Paul joined Renbrook in 2023 as Director of the Beginning School, bringing extensive experience in early childhood education and international school leadership. She leads the Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten programs and works closely with students, families, and faculty to ensure a nurturing, developmentally responsive environment where young learners can flourish.
Gretchen earned her BA in International Affairs with a concentration in European History and a minor in German language and literature from George Washington University. She later completed her MEd in Elementary Education at George Washington University and an MEd in Educational Leadership at Lehigh University, preparing her for both classroom and administrative leadership roles.
Her professional journey spans multiple countries and educational contexts. She began her career teaching at Kingsbury Day School and Lafayette Elementary School in Washington, DC. She then joined the American School of Paris, where she served as a teacher and later stepped into early childhood leadership. Most recently, she was the Early Childhood Director at the American School of Torreon in Mexico, overseeing programming and faculty development while supporting families in an international community.
Gretchen works in education because she loves children and believes deeply in the transformative power of early learning. She finds joy in witnessing the rapid growth that occurs during the early years and in helping students discover a love of school that sets the foundation for lifelong curiosity and confidence. She remains committed to education because of the positive impact it can have on the future.
What Gretchen loves most about Renbrook is its community and the palpable joy of learning that defines the campus. The Beginning School faculty, the students, and the natural beauty of the setting create a sense of purpose and excitement that inspires her each day.
Outside of school, Gretchen enjoys traveling, spending time with her extended family, and caring for animals. She is the proud mother of one son. A dedicated runner, she has completed three marathons and more than a dozen half marathons. She also jokes that she is an “accidental fish breeder,” adding a bit of humor to her many accomplishments.
