Sinai Akiba Academy

Dr. Lauren Plant, head of school at Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles, has established herself as an inspiring educational leader with a strong commitment to academic excellence and Jewish values. With more than two decades of experience in education, she brings extensive knowledge and profound dedication to her role, shaping the school’s future.

Lauren joined Sinai Akiba Academy in 2023, following a distinguished career in educational leadership. Before taking the helm at Sinai Akiba Academy, she was head of school at Westerly School in Long Beach, where she led a major organizational restructuring and championed initiatives focused on inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism. 

Prior to that, she served as principal at Kadima Day School, overseeing a successful accreditation process and significantly increasing student enrollment. Lauren also has experience as head of upper school at Mirman School, where she focused on faculty development and curriculum alignment.

In addition to her school leadership experience, Lauren is an accomplished researcher and innovator. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from UCLA, and her dissertation was on middle school girls’ relational aggression. Her research contributions have focused on inclusion, bullying prevention and teacher coaching. This academic background, combined with her hands-on leadership experience, has shaped her approach to education at Sinai Akiba Academy.

One of Lauren’s primary goals is to align Sinai Akiba Academy’s mission and values with its educational practices. “I believe my mission as head of school is to serve as a visionary leader and steward of a school that is unapologetically committed to fostering academic excellence and Jewish values in harmony,” she says. “It’s not only about academic success but also about instilling in our students the values central to Jewish life: kindness, respect, academic excellence, compassion, social responsibility and love of Israel.”

“It’s not only about academic success but also about instilling in our students the values central to Jewish life.”

Since her arrival, Lauren has led several significant initiatives to enhance both the physical and educational environments at Sinai Akiba Academy. Under her leadership, the school has added new outdoor spaces, enriching the student experience. The Jacki and Jeff Karsh Terrace, Jonah’s Play Yard in the Douglas Family Early Childhood Center, and the Marc Becker Patio now offer beautiful, functional spaces for learning, play and community engagement. These additions reflect Lauren’s commitment to creating a dynamic environment that supports both academic and emotional growth.

Lauren is deeply connected to her family and the Los Angeles Jewish community. She enjoys spending time with loved ones and is an avid reader and traveler. Her family values and her love for Jewish tradition and education inspire her leadership every day. She continues to strive for a school environment where students feel seen, supported and empowered to grow both academically and personally.

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Photographed by Jeffrey Fiterman