It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Margaret MacDonald, who led Ashley Hall as Headmistress from 1985 to 2004. MacDonald passed away on July 7 at the age of 86. Her extraordinary legacy lives on in the lives of the countless students, faculty, and families she inspired.

“Margaret MacDonald was a truly inspirational leader for Ashley Hall throughout her tenure, deeply devoted to girls and young women as individuals and as students,” said Anne T. Weston ’73, current Head of School. “Principled, compassionate, funny, and a community servant, Margaret modeled the school’s mission daily and left an important legacy that inspired the community she led.”

MacDonald’s passion for all-girls education was evident in every step of her career. In addition to her work with the College Board and the Chicago Tribune, she served in leadership roles at the Ellis School in Pennsylvania and the Lincoln School in Rhode Island before accepting the headmistress role at Ashley Hall in Charleston, South Carolina—a position she would hold for 19 years.

During her tenure, MacDonald raised academic standards, expanded financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and implemented Ashley Hall’s first master plan. She added an admissions department, an aquatics program, and introduced teaching excellence awards, all while expanding the physical footprint of the school. Her vision helped shape Ashley Hall into the thriving institution it is today.

In recognition of her impact, MacDonald was honored in 2014 with the Converse 125 Award as a distinguished alumna.

We are deeply grateful for her leadership and will continue to honor her spirit in the work we do every day.