Kaliq Hunter Simms has been named the second president of Sisters Academy of Baltimore, effective July 1, 2023. In this position, Simms will lead the school as it continues to provide an excellent education to middle school girls who live primarily in Southwest Baltimore.
Simms will join Sisters Academy from Higher Learning Group, LLC, an educational consulting company that she founded to partner with schools and nonprofit organizations to create healthy learning environments for all students. Simms is a veteran independent school educator and administrator who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
She was selected to serve as the second Sisters Academy president after the completion of a national search. “When she joins our Sisters Academy community, Kaliq will bring significant experience in education, business, fundraising, and community-building,” said Sister Delia Dowling, SSND, current president and co-founder of Sisters Academy. “Kaliq’s life experience, skills, and interests have led her to this moment, and I am delighted with her appointment,” Sister Delia said. During her career, Simms has taught high school English, worked as a senior director, and served on the Boards of independent schools in Baltimore.
“Throughout the search process I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the deep commitment the Sisters Academy community has to its mission. I also have appreciated the warmth of everyone I have met,” Simms said. “Sisters Academy has a rich history and established traditions. I greatly admire Sister Delia and the work that is happening at the school. I am excited to lead Sisters Academy in the years ahead.”
“We are fortunate to have, in Kaliq Simms, a leader who can continue the extraordinary legacy of work started by Sister Delia Dowling, the co-founders, and the four sponsoring congregations: the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Bon Secours, Sisters of Mercy, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur,” said Dale McArdle, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We were looking for a dynamic, visionary, faith-filled leader with demonstrated experience as a community builder. We found these qualities and more with Kaliq Simms,” McArdle said.
Simms, a fifth generation Baltimorean and lifelong Catholic, attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Morgan State University and a Master of Education from Harvard University.
More about Sisters Academy of Baltimore
Founded by four congregations of religious sisters, Sisters Academy of Baltimore is a faith-based independent school for girls in grades 5-8. Established in 2004, the school’s goal is to provide academically talented and motivated middle school girls who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend an independent school an excellent education and a launching pad for success in high school and beyond. Sisters Academy offers a rigorous curriculum and holistic academic program in the Catholic tradition that encourages each student’s intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual development.