News & Press

A Note From Our Founder:

Morty Ballen, Explore’s founder and CEO, will transition from his role in the 18-19 school year. Morty led the organization for sixteen years, serving first as the flagship’s founding Principal in 2002 and then as the CEO; in that role, he grew Explore from 1 to 8 schools, serving 2,000 students in Brooklyn. Explore’s first class of eighth graders graduated in 2008; since then nearly 1,000 students collectively have graduated from the four upper schools. In Morty’s words, “our graduates are proof of our shared mission to provide our students with the academic skills and critical-thinking abilities they need to succeed in a college-preparatory high school.”

Starting in January 2019, two internal leaders, Carrie Mauer and Christina Froeb, will co-lead the organization. Christina, who has been a part of Explore for nearly a decade, will serve as Superintendent, leading the academic program. Carrie, who joined Explore in 2017 after serving for many years at KIPP NYC and the KIPP Foundation, will move into the role of Executive Director, leading all non-academic functions. Together, they are setting a dynamic vision to accelerate Explore forward on its positive trajectory.

Morty will continue to serve as a member of Explore’s Board of Trustees and will support Carrie and Christina through the transition for as long as needed. Building on the foundation Morty set, Carrie and Christina bring fresh and inspired leadership. Their shared vision will ensure that Explore will continue to provide every child with the academic skills and critical-thinking abilities needed to succeed in a college-preparatory high school.