Head of Lower School

Mason Preparatory School Inc; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mason Preparatory School, an independent Pre K–8 program in Charleston, SC, seeks a Head of Lower School to lead the division’s academic program, faculty, and student experience. You will steward curriculum implementation, assessment, and community partnerships with families and staff.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree, strong instructional leadership, and prior leadership in an independent school.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field required.
• Significant teaching experience, preferably in the lower school.
• Prior leadership experience, ideally in an independent school setting.
• Strong instructional leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
• Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Collaborative, approachable, and mission-driven.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader for students, faculty, and families
• Uphold and promote the school’s mission, and culture
• Partner with the Head of School and division heads to support school-wide goals
• Build strong relationships with families and support a positive parent experience
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate faculty
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and accountable team culture
• Oversee curriculum implementation and instructional quality
• Ensure alignment across grade levels and with other divisions
• Support effective teaching practices and student-centered learning
• Support student academic, social, and emotional development
• Partner with faculty and student support services to address student needs
• Oversee student conduct, class placement, and overall student experience
• Manage day-to-day division operations, including scheduling and calendars
• Oversee division budget in partnership with the business office
• Ensure compliance with school policies and accreditation standards
• Support admissions through family engagement and student evaluation
• Partner with advancement and school leadership on community initiatives
• Participate in key school events and activities

Skills

Instructional leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Leadership experience

Education

Master’s degree in education

Job description

Mason Preparatory School is an independent Pre K-8th school dedicated to educating the whole child through strong relationships, academic excellence, and an engaging, student-centered learning environment. The Head of Lower School will serve as the educational and operational leader of the division, overseeing students, faculty, and program implementation. This role ensures a strong academic program, supports faculty growth, and fosters a positive, connected community aligned with the school’s mission.

Position Details:

Title: Head of Lower School
Classification: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports to: Head of School
Schedule: Full-Time; 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Occasional evenings or weekends may be required for school events.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education or related field required
• Significant teaching experience, preferably in the lower school
• Prior leadership experience, ideally in an independent school setting
• Strong instructional leadership and decision‑making skills
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building ability
• Organized, proactive, and solutions‑oriented
• Collaborative, approachable, and mission‑driven

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader for students, faculty, and families
• Uphold and promote the school’s mission, and culture
• Partner with the Head of School and division heads to support school-wide goals
• Build strong relationships with families and support a positive parent experience
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate faculty
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and accountable team culture
• Oversee curriculum implementation and instructional quality
• Ensure alignment across grade levels and with other divisions
• Support effective teaching practices and student-centered learning
• Support student academic, social, and emotional development
• Partner with faculty and student support services to address student needs
• Oversee student conduct, class placement, and overall student experience
• Manage day-to-day division operations, including scheduling and calendars
• Oversee division budget in partnership with the business office
• Ensure compliance with school policies and accreditation standards
• Support admissions through family engagement and student evaluation
• Partner with advancement and school leadership on community initiatives
• Participate in key school events and activities

Why Mason Preparatory School?

• Supportive leadership and a collaborative faculty culture
• Small class sizes that allow for meaningful relationships with students
• Emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and whole-child education
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities

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Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about Mason Preparatory School by visiting our website https://www.masonprep.org/ to explore our mission, programs, and community. We look forward to connecting with educators who are enthusiastic about inspiring students.