Golda Och Academy Names Carrie Zucker Siegel ’92 as Head of School

Golda Och Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Carrie Zucker Siegel ’92 as Head of School following unanimous approval by the Board of Trustees, and met with enthusiastic support from our donors and the wider GOA community. 

Ms. Siegel’s journey with Golda Och Academy began as a student, graduating in 1992 from what was then the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union. She returned to her alma mater in 1999, joining the Upper School faculty to teach Tanach, Rabbinics, and Jewish Philosophy. She was a founding member of the Upper School experiential education team and expanded GOA’s tikkun olam, chesed, and community service programs. Ms. Siegel moved to the Lower School in 2007 as Director of Judaic Studies and Assistant Principal, and assumed the role of Principal in 2014.

“I am honored to be named Golda Och Academy’s Head of School,” said Siegel. “This community has been my home for nearly my entire life. In every role I’ve held over the past 26 years, my priority has remained the same: to make GOA a place where every child is seen, known, and inspired to become their best self. 

“GOA is far more than just a school; it is a vibrant community where pride in our Jewish identity is woven into everything we do.”

As Principal of the Lower School, Ms. Siegel has led with vision, passion, and tireless dedication, shaping a program deeply rooted in Jewish values and committed to each child’s social, emotional, and academic growth. Her leadership has brought about the creation of a math specialist team, expanded learning support with dedicated specialists at every grade level, and strengthened our Guidance Department with two full-time counselors focused on student well-being and parent partnership. She established a team lead model of master educators to promote a whole-child approach and foster deeper collaboration with families. Ms. Siegel also championed the growth of environmental education, including our greenhouse program, now meaningfully integrated across both General and Judaic Studies.

“I cannot imagine anyone more ready or more devoted to lead us into the next chapter of our school than Carrie,” said David Moss, Chair of the GOA Board of Trustees. “Anyone who has seen Carrie greet students at morning drop-off or heard her joyful ‘Good morning, Golda Och Academy!’ knows the warmth and energy she brings to our school each day. For 26 years, Carrie has been a beloved teacher, leader, and guiding presence in our community.”  

Ms. Siegel brings to this role not only extensive experience in academic leadership and program development, but also a deep and enduring love for Golda Och Academy. In this new chapter, she looks forward to building on the school’s nearly 60-year legacy — honoring the values and traditions that make GOA so special, while embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Her vision centers on enriching both our program and our community, deepening student learning, strengthening connections, and continuing to nurture a vibrant, inclusive school culture rooted in Jewish values.

GOA Upper School Principal Paul-Michael Huseman said, “Carrie embodies the kind of leadership our school needs: visionary, grounded, and wholly committed to growth. She lifts up those around her, encourages innovation, and leads by example. Her mentorship has shaped my own journey, and I am eager to see the future she will help create for our entire community.” 

Ms. Siegel is a graduate of Brown University with honors and a double concentration in Judaic Studies and Political Science. She then earned her Master’s in Jewish Education from Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), with a focus on Jewish Day School Administration. Ms. Siegel also received a certificate from the Day School Leadership Training Institute, a program now co-sponsored by Prizmah and JTS for aspiring or newly appointed heads of Jewish schools.