Mr. Ahlum Scarola

Ahlum Scarola is a seasoned progressive educator with over 20 years of experience. Before being named the Head of Rio Grande School, Ahlum served in various leadership positions within the Santa Fe Public School system, including Assistant Principal at Agua Fria Elementary, Principal at Acequia Madre Elementary, and Head of Mandela International Magnet School, New Mexico’s only public 7-12 International Baccalaureate School. Before transitioning to administration, Ahlum taught grades 3-6 in Oregon and New Mexico.

Ahlum is a strong advocate for inquiry-based learning, believing that students learn best through authentic experiences that challenge their assumptions, foster critical thinking, and develop them into reflective, compassionate citizens. Throughout his career, he has worked to ensure equitable access to education, promoting learning environments where all students can succeed. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he has served on the Educational Advisory Board for the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens, the Governing Council for the MASTER’s Program, the Community in Schools advisory board, and he is currently a board member for the New Mexico Literacy Institute. He has also participated in Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom as a fellow and facilitator.

Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Ahlum has a lifelong love of the outdoors, which has shaped his interests in mountain biking, kayaking, and backpacking. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Portland State University and a Master of the Art of Teaching from Lewis and Clark College. Ahlum and his wife, Cara, have lived in Santa Fe since 2008, where they are raising their two children, Ryder and Sylvie. In his free time, Ahlum enjoys mountain sports, a competitive game of ping-pong, and spending time with family and friends.