Head of Lower School

Paisboa; Radnor (Delaware County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grayson School invites an experienced educational leader to become Head of Lower School starting July 2027. The role oversees the PreK–5 program at a gifted learners school, shaping curriculum and ensuring rigorous, differentiated instruction.

As founding Head of Lower School successor, you will mentor faculty, work with families, partner with Admissions to grow enrollment, and coordinate daily operations while aligning with middle and upper schools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in education/leadership (gifted ed or related field).
• Successful educator and school leader, ideally in elementary/Lower School.
• Strong gifted education knowledge and understanding of child development.
• Proven skill in curriculum development, differentiation, and coaching.
• Ability to manage schedules, budgets, and day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PreK–5 academic program, guiding curriculum and differentiated instruction.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop faculty to foster growth and collaboration.
• Build relationships with students and families to support academic and social-emotional growth.
• Partner with Admissions and leadership to strengthen enrollment.
• Oversee Lower School operations and align with school-wide priorities.

Skills

Educational leadership

Curriculum development

Faculty coaching

Gifted education

Child development

Education

Master's degree or higher in education/leadership (gifted ed or related field)

Job description

Lead a Lower School built for complexity, curiosity, and joy.

The Grayson School seeks an experienced, thoughtful educational leader to serve as its next Head of Lower School beginning July 2027. Grayson is an independent, research-based PreK–12 school designed specifically for gifted learners. Our students thrive on intellectual challenge, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to explore their interests with depth and creativity.

Our Lower School serves approximately 70 students in PreK–5 through fifth grade. Teachers design ambitious, responsive curricula that meet children at their individual levels of readiness while nurturing the social, emotional, and playful experiences of childhood. Grayson is a close-knit community where teachers love their work, families are deeply invested, and students find peers and educators who understand them.

As our founding Head of Lower School prepares for retirement, we are seeking a leader who will build on the excellent foundation she has established while helping shape the division's next chapter. This is an opportunity for someone who loves the work of education: collaborating with teachers, thinking deeply about curriculum, knowing students well, partnering with families, and helping a distinctive school continue to grow and evolve.

This is both a strategic and a hands-on leadership position. The next Head will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of children and teachers while helping guide Grayson through an important period of growth and development.

The Head of Lower School will:

• Lead the PreK–5 academic program, guiding curriculum development and supporting ambitious, differentiated, research-informed teaching and learning.


• Supervise, mentor, and develop faculty, fostering a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and creativity.


• Build strong relationships with students and families, supporting children's academic, social, and emotional development.


• Partner with Admissions and school leadership to strengthen enrollment and help more gifted learners and their families discover Grayson.


• Oversee the Lower School's daily operations while collaborating with colleagues across the Middle and Upper Schools on schoolwide priorities and long-term planning.

Required Qualifications

• A master's degree or higher in early childhood/elementary education, gifted education, educational leadership, or a closely related field.


• Successful experience as both an educator and a school leader, ideally in an elementary or Lower School setting.


• Meaningful knowledge of gifted education and a strong understanding of child development, including the academic, social, and emotional needs of gifted children.


• Demonstrated strength in curriculum development, differentiation, instructional leadership, faculty coaching, and evaluation.


• Strong organizational judgment and comfort with the practical realities of leading a busy school division, from schedules and budgets to student support and day-to-day problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate preparation or specialized training in gifted education.


• Direct experience teaching or leading gifted learners, particularly in an elementary or Lower School setting.


• Experience with curriculum acceleration, enrichment, and the academic and social-emotional needs of twice-exceptional students.