Lower School Principal

COLORADO ACADEMY; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Ins.

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Colorado Academy seeks an inspiring Lower School Principal to lead the division with a student-centered, whole-child focus. The role emphasizes joyful culture, professional growth, and collaborative leadership within a Pre-K–12 community.

The Principal will drive curriculum development, guide faculty coaching, and oversee space planning during campus renovations. The successful candidate will demonstrate inclusive leadership, strong communication, and a deep commitment to supporting diverse

Qualifications

• Experience teaching and leading in a lower school.
• Inclusive leadership with a strong commitment to equity & belonging.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clarity and inspiration.
• Ability to adapt to change with empathy and decisive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision for the Lower School and align with school-wide goals.
• Lead curriculum development and professional growth across divisions.
• Oversee facilities planning, including campus master planning and renovations.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Faculty coaching

Student-centered pedagogy

Equity & Belonging

Job description

CA seeks an inspiring, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as its next Lower School Principal, beginning July 2027. This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a division that embraces academic excellence, social emotional learning, and whole-child education at one of the country’s premier independent schools. The next Lower School Principal will join Colorado Academy at a time of optimism and momentum—with strong enrollment, a strategic vision for innovation, and a thriving culture of faculty and student engagement, led by Head of School Dr. Mike Davis. The Principal will shape the lives of CA’s youngest students and the educators who teach them—and help ensure CA continues to lead as one of the most dynamic, inclusive, and well-rounded educational institutions in the country.Colorado Academy's next Lower School Principal will join a joyful, student-centered community with deep traditions and a highly dedicated faculty, will help shape the division's next chapter, and will guide the division in the following areas: Steward a Joyful, Whole-Child Culture The Lower School is widely described by faculty, parents, and administrators as a joyful environment that celebrates empathy, kindness, and connection. The Principal sets the vision for a culture that emphasizes the strength of the community, focuses on the whole child, and cherishes traditions that elevate the school’s core values of courage, curiosity, and kindness. The next Principal will honor and continue to elevate this special culture that is a particular point of pride for the division. Strengthen Professional Growth and Coaching The next Principal will have the opportunity to build pathways for consistent feedback and professional growth, a goal that extends across divisions and that is being addressed collaboratively by the senior leadership team. There is an appetite for additional coaching in areas of recent curricular change, like the two newly adopted math programs.Reimagine Lower School Leadership Structure The Principal role, as presently configured, carries an extraordinary breadth of responsibility. There is active interest in exploring shared leadership, including the possibility of creating an assistant principal role, and expanding other pathways to leadership within the division. Advocate for Lower School The Principal will advocate for the Lower School within a Pre-K–12 setting while simultaneously holding a broad institutional mindset and working closely with a close-knit and highly collaborative leadership team. This leadership team understands how each division informs the work of the others, and they shoulder the shared responsibility of supporting strategic initiatives and stewarding shared resources. Partner with Families With personal warmth, confidence, and wisdom, the Lower School Principal will help parents navigate developmental milestones, providing counsel and direction when parents need reassurance about their child’s progress. Manage change and renovations Following a comprehensive campus master planning process, Colorado Academy is currently investigating the expansion and renovation of the Lower School facility. The Lower School Principal will play a role in designing and reimagining the instructional space for the Lower School and support the division with care and excitement through this process.The next principal will be an excellent educational leader, able to develop curriculum, coach faculty, and provide real structure and clarity, but equally important is high emotional intelligence and genuine humility. The Lower School benefits from a leader who is approachable, empathetic, and collaborative, but who can also set clear expectations, make decisions, communicate the “why,” and give faculty and families confidence about where the division is headed. The Lower School Principal will bring a combination of educational expertise, high EQ, humility, visibility, and decisive leadership. The most competitive candidates for Colorado Academy will offer most or all of the following qualifications and qualities:Professional QualificationsExperience teaching and leading in a lower school and an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities inherent in a complex, multi-division school;Proven ability to inspire, support, and lead faculty in a culture that values both autonomy and collaboration;Nuanced understanding of best practices in student-centered pedagogy and curriculum design;Understanding of state childcare licensing requirements;A track record of inclusive leadership and a strong commitment to equity and belonging;The ability to communicate verbally and in writing with inspiration and clarity;A history of thoughtful innovation moderated by a skillful and sensitive approach to change;A community-building leadership style that is collaborative whenever possible and decisive when necessary, demonstrating approachability, trustworthiness, and a commitment to honoring multiple perspectives;The willingness to prioritize visibility amidst the demands of a busy professional schedule;Willingness to honor the division’s culture and history while gently guiding it into the future.Personal QualitiesA genuine love for young children and delight in the daily life of a Lower School;A community-building leadership style that is collaborative whenever possible and decisive when necessary, demonstrating approachability, trustworthiness, and a commitment to honoring multiple perspectives;Authenticity, kindness, and humility, with a playful spirit and sense of humor;Comfort with autonomy balanced with leadership confidence;Skill in managing conflict and holding crucial conversations with care;Team leadership mentality.All employees at CA are expected to carry out the CA Mission, \"Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders,\" to support the vision of CA and to contribute to the life of the school outside of the classroom.Interested, qualified candidates should apply here: Carney Sandoe - Colorado AcademyCandidates that apply directly through this page will not be considered.This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Colorado Academy reserves the right to modify or revise this job description at any time.The pay for this position is $200,000 - $220,000. Although this is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Any wage differential that may exist for the position does not relate to sex, gender, or gender identity, but relates solely to a seniority system, a merit system, or relevant education, training and/or experience. Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 403(b) retirement plan. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document.Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the program and the school.Colorado Academy prohibits discrimination and unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures, or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, ancestry, race, religion or creed, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, marital status, genetic information, or other protected classifications defined by federal or Colorado laws. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with CA.Colorado Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. Employees are expected to engage in professional conduct that reflects cultural awareness, respect for differing identities, and openness to diverse perspectives. Employment decisions including hiring, evaluation, promotion, and compensation are based on qualifications, performance, and institutional needs.