Jesuit High School Sacramento is proud to announce the hiring of Katie Abbott as Dean of Students for the Girls Division, a key milestone as the school continues its preparations to welcome young women to campus in fall 2027. Abbott will begin her role Aug. 1, 2026, a full academic year ahead of the launch of the co‑divisional model. Appointing the Dean of Students for the Girls Division well in advance of welcoming the first class of girls represents a strategic investment in the school’s future. 

This early leadership presence allows the Dean’s Office to build relationships, establish systems, and lay a strong foundation centered on student well-being, belonging, and care for the whole person. It also ensures visible and consistent leadership during the active admissions and recruitment cycle for the co‑divisional model, which begins as early as this summer.

Abbott is particularly energized by the opportunity to build from the ground up while honoring the school’s long‑standing traditions. “This is an incredible chance to help form programs, honor what has made Jesuit strong, and create new traditions that reflect a dynamic, evolving community,” she said. “I’m eager to support students as they navigate this change by helping them develop empathy, collaboration skills, and a broader sense of community.”

Under the co‑divisional structure, the Dean of Students for both the Boys Division and the Girls Division will work in close partnership to lead the Dean’s Office and support the daily life of the school. The position is both administrative and relational, focused on accompaniment, trust‑building, and collaboration with students, families, and colleagues. Reporting to the principal, the deans are primarily responsible for implementing the rules of conduct, overseeing attendance, and coordinating campus supervision. Grounded in cura personalis, or care for the whole person, the Dean of Students for the Girls Division also plays a central role in ensuring students feel known, supported, and valued, and that their school is a place of belonging. 

Abbott will serve alongside Joey Elftmann ‘00, who has been appointed Dean of Students for the Boys Division. Elftmann currently serves as Associate Dean of Students. Together, the deans will provide equal advocacy, presence, and leadership for both divisions, ensuring equity and shared accountability as the school community grows.

Abbott brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator and school leader. She currently serves as assistant head of school at St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School, a position she has held since 2016, and previously spent eight years as dean of student affairs. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from California State University, Sacramento, along with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a single-subject teaching credential. Her teaching background includes Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills and Sutter Middle School in the greater Sacramento region.

Abbott also has a personal connection to the Jesuit community. Her son, Isaac, is a member of the Class of 2026, and her husband is a Jesuit alumnus from the Class of 1996.

“What stood out to me in the interview process is the way she strives to lead with both clarity and genuine care,” said Amanda Smith, director of counseling and a member of the interview panel. “Across multiple interviews, Katie consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of students, of families, and that she lives the values that make Jesuit such a special place. I’m excited about the care and leadership she will bring to this role as we move into the next chapter of our school.”

“The work of the Dean’s Office begins long before the need to respond to situations,” said Dr. Michael Wood ’99, principal of Jesuit High School. “It is the relationships and trust built upstream that position the Dean’s Office to best support students downstream. Hiring the Dean of Students for the Girls Division a year in advance reflects the priority we place on student safety and belonging and ensures we are fully prepared to operate the school effectively from day one of the co‑divisional model.”

Jesuit High School Sacramento looks forward to welcoming Abbott to campus, and together, the leadership team signals Jesuit High School Sacramento’s readiness to move forward with momentum, confidence, and shared purpose as the school shapes a vibrant future grounded in excellence and formation.

 “This is an incredible opportunity to honor valued traditions while creating new ones.” 

—Katie Abbott