Director of Lower School

Summary

Lake Highland Preparatory School seeks a Director of Lower School to begin July 1, 2025. The Director of the Lower School provides leadership and supervision in the daily operation of the 930- student Lower School. Rooted in the LHP mission and vision, the Director fosters a culture of academic excellence, personal growth, and community spirit for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6 students. The Director plans for and oversees the quality of learning, student services, and student outcomes while ensuring cohesive integration with school-wide policies, programs, and initiatives. 

Building on Lake Highland’s rich traditions and within an atmosphere of love, concern, and mutual respect, this leader will ensure that the Lower School provides a safe, inclusive environment that nurtures curiosity, respect, and a love of learning. Overseeing all aspects of campus operations—from curriculum development to community engagement—the Director of the Lower School’s key focus will be preparing students for a seamless transition to middle school by equipping them with the academic foundations, social skills, and confidence needed for future success. 

With most Lower School grades housed in one building (with adjacent classroom space for grade 6), the Lower School offers bright, vibrant classroom space surrounding a charming courtyard for learning /play. Program emphasis is on the whole child, with the first six weeks of each year focused on the social-emotional dimension of student development, resulting in more effective student learning. (They also use Responsive Classroom.) Parents are supportive and engaged, and teachers are empowered to make academic decisions that they know work best for students; student retention is 95%. 

This search is being facilitated by Carney, Sandoe, & Associates. Please apply directly through them using the information in the "To Apply" section of this posting.

Opportunities and Challenges 

The Director of the Lower School supervises four Associate Directors as well as an ample support staff, and reports to the Associate Head of School. LHP seeks an innovative educational leader eager to nurture an enriching educational program that excites curious young learners as they embark on distinctive educational journeys filled with abundant opportunities to become servant leaders of “noble character, keen intellect, and an enduring love of learning.” As the School begins this month to launch an ambitious strategic plan, the next Director of the Lower School will work within a dynamic, evolving leadership team to realize the bold aspirations in that plan. The Director of the Lower School provides leadership and supervision in the daily operation of the Lower School, fostering a culture of academic excellence, personal growth, and community spirit for students. PreK-6. S/he plans for and oversees the quality of learning, student services, and student outcomes while ensuring cohesive integration with school-wide policies, programs, and initiatives. 

Qualifications and Personal Attributes 

The ideal candidate(s) will offer most or all the following qualifications and qualities: 

• Deep appreciation and affection for the joys of a PreK-12 community; experience as a classroom teacher who celebrates, nurtures, and delights in Lower School children; 
• The ability to develop and articulate vision and strategy and the tactical skills to manage the systems and processes necessary to implement program growth; 
• Understanding of evolving best practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the support of an effective and age-appropriate pedagogy; 
• Personal and professional commitment to inclusion and belonging and the requisite skills to support a diverse student body and faculty and to facilitate critical conversations; 
• Experience leading adults with confidence and collaboration, supporting their growth and development; 
• A leadership style built on availability, approachability, responsiveness, and transparent communication; 
• Strong understanding of how to step back to leverage and support the strengths of others, bringing people together in support of shared goals;
• The confidence and humility to advocate for new ideas, invite disagreement, and welcome feedback; 
• Alignment with Lake Highland Prep’s mission and vision, including a fundamental belief in the fulfillment enjoyed when working with young children; 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with inspiration and clarity across a wide range of stakeholders; 
• Eagerness to engage actively with students, faculty, staff, and parents and willingness to prioritize visibility amidst the demands of a busy schedule; 
• Master’s degree or higher. 

This position announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title and the education and skills required. This is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that are required or may be required in the future.

LHPS conducts background checks, including fingerprinting, and drug testing, and may use a third-party administrator. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Lake Highland Preparatory School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This search is being facilitated by Carney, Sandoe, & Associates. Please apply directly through them using the information in the "To Apply" section of this posting.