Shaping the Future: Dr. Kimball’s Legacy at ISP

As the International School of Prague bids a heartfelt farewell to Director Dr. Chip Kimball, we take this moment to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of a visionary leader whose compassion, dedication, and commitment to excellence have profoundly shaped our school.

From the outset of his tenure, Dr. Kimball charted a clear and ambitious path for ISP, inspiring thoughtful innovation, fostering strong leadership, and keeping student well-being and academic achievement at the heart of every decision.

Dr. Kimball began his tenure at ISP in 2021 amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His calm and decisive leadership was instrumental in ensuring both safety and continuity. By implementing measures such as the Dynamic Masking Policy and twice-weekly antigen testing, he guided ISP through uncertain times, allowing the school to remain open while prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

One of his most transformative achievements was guiding ISP to become a full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, successfully implementing the IB curriculum across all divisions. This milestone underscored our shared commitment to rigorous, inquiry-based, and globally minded education. Project-based learning flourished under his leadership. From the Grade 5 PYP Exhibition to the Grade 8 Community Project and the Grade 10 Personal Project, students engaged deeply in interdisciplinary, real-world learning experiences that nurtured curiosity, independence, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the world.

Dr. Kimball was a champion for teaching excellence and professional growth. He introduced Wednesday late-starts, granting faculty vital time for collaboration and development. The adoption of Toddle, a cutting-edge learning management system, enhanced student engagement and strengthened family communication. His implementation of the Bell-to-Bell No Cell Phone policy fostered a more focused, mindful, and respectful learning environment.

“As I prepare to step into the role of Director, I do so with deep respect for Dr. Kimball’s transformative leadership and the progress our community has made under his guidance. ISP’s reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and globally recognized school is no accident—it is the result of purposeful innovation and a shared commitment to student success. I’m honored to build on this strong foundation as we continue shaping a future where every learner thrives.” Dr. Cal Callaway, Incoming Head of School

 

Dr. Kimball’s steady, empathetic leadership shone brightest during moments of crisis. Whether navigating the impact of military conflict in the region, the tragedy at Charles University, or the impacts of changing politics, Dr. Kimball led the ISP community with clarity, compassion, and resilience.

In governance, he partnered closely with the ISP Board to review and strengthen policies, ensuring a foundation of stability and effective leadership for years to come.

“It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the ISP Board of Trustees during a period of such meaningful progress. Dr. Kimball’s leadership has been central to this momentum—setting challenging goals and aspirations and then guiding ISP through milestones and challenges with vision, integrity, understanding and deep care for students. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his outstanding service and lasting contributions. ISP stands strong—well-positioned for the future and rooted in values that continue to inspire.” Gabriel Eichler, Chair of the ISP Board of Trustees

Community life at ISP was revitalized under his guidance. He breathed new life into beloved traditions like the Back to School Barbecue, the International Food Festival, the ISP Gala while also introducing fresh, vibrant events such as Party in the Park and the Grade 12 Senior Walk. His unwavering support of the School Community Association (SCA) helped rekindle a culture of connection, celebration, and belonging.

 

Equally noteworthy was his commitment to fostering a strong culture of philanthropy. Under Dr. Kimball’s leadership, an unprecedented one in three parents contributed to the ISP Fund—fueling exceptional programs and opportunities beyond tuition. This generosity expanded the ISP Scholarship Programme, selected for academic excellence as well as character and community impact.  

Another major milestone during Dr. Kimball’s tenure was the development and approval of Mapping ISP’s Future: Campus Facilities Roadmap —a bold, future-focused vision for transforming ISP’s physical environment. Created through extensive community input and collaboration with leading experts in educational design, this roadmap reimagines ISP’s learning spaces to better support future-ready learning, innovation, wellbeing, and sustainability.

 

 

As part of this vision, two new buildings are set to open in 2027–28 school year: the STEM Design & Innovation Centre, a flagship hub for applied science, engineering, and technology that will empower students to tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary learning; and a new Elementary Cafeteria & Multipurpose Space, designed to overcome current limitations and transform how our youngest learners eat, explore, and grow together.

To help bring this ambitious plan to life, Dr. Kimball also spearheaded the launch of a major philanthropic campaign to support Phase 1 of the Campus Facilities Roadmap. This effort embodies his unwavering dedication to shaping transformative spaces and programs that not only elevate ISP’s reputation as an innovative school, but also center of the heart of the ISP mission, to Inspire, Engage and Empower all learners to become the Curious, Competent, and Compassionate Changemakers.

 

 

As we bid Dr. Kimball farewell after his tenure from August 2021 to July 2025, we do so with profound gratitude for his inspiring leadership, humanity, and the lasting impact he leaves on ISP. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire our community for many years ahead. We wish him every success and happiness in his future endeavors.