Head of Lower School 26-27 School Year

Job Description

Job Description

Salary:

Position Title

Head of Lower School (Grades K5)

Start Date Aug 1, 2026

Position Overview

The Head of Lower School serves as the instructional and operational leader for grades K5 at Socrates Academy, ensuring a strong academic foundation and a nurturing, values-driven learning environment. Reporting to the Head of School, this role translates the schools mission and Greek-inspired values into daily practice for young learners while ensuring high-quality instruction, a positive school culture, and effective systems that support scholar growth and well-being.

Primary Responsibilities

The Head of Lower School is responsible for achieving the following outcomes:

1. Strong academic growth and foundational skill development for all Lower School scholars.

2. Consistent, developmentally appropriate implementation of curriculum and instructional practices.

3. A safe, joyful, and values-aligned school culture rooted in Arete, Filotimo, Philoxenia, Ethos, empathy, and personal responsibility.

4. Effective supervision, coaching, and development of Lower School faculty and staff.

5. Responsive systems of support for scholars academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

6. Clear, consistent communication and partnership with Lower School families.

7. Faithful implementation of schoolwide policies, procedures, and expectations.

8. Collaborative leadership that supports alignment across the K12 continuum.

Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Academic Achievement & Instructional Quality

KPIs

• Lower School scholar growth and proficiency meet or exceed state and school benchmarks.

• All academic data show consistent progress across grade levels.

• MTSS processes demonstrate documented progress for scholars receiving Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.

• Instructional observations reflect standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate practices.

2. Values-Driven School Culture & Climate

KPIs

• Student attendance, behavior, and retention meet established targets.

• Classroom environments consistently reflect Socrates Academys mission and values.

• Social-emotional learning indicators show positive trends across grade levels.

• Family satisfaction survey results meet or exceed school benchmarks.

3. Staff Development & Supervision

KPIs

• Lower School staff retention meets or exceeds annual targets.

• Teacher evaluations and coaching cycles are completed on time and with fidelity.

• Professional development leads to measurable improvements in instruction.

• New teacher onboarding supports consistent implementation of school practices.

4. Scholar Support Systems & Well-Being

KPIs

• Tier 2/3 interventions are implemented consistently and reviewed regularly.

• Behavior and support plans demonstrate measurable progress for scholars.

• Collaboration with counselors, interventionists, and specialists is effective and timely.

• Safety protocols and crisis-response procedures are implemented consistently.

5. Operations & Compliance (Lower School Scope)

KPIs

• Division-level compliance requirements are met accurately and on time.

• Daily operations support safe, orderly, and efficient learning environments.

• Implementation of schoolwide policies is consistent across all Lower School classrooms.

• Issues requiring escalation are identified early and communicated promptly.

6. Family & Community Engagement

KPIs

• Family communication is timely, clear, and aligned with school expectations.

• Participation in conferences, events, and family learning opportunities meets targets.

• Family concerns are addressed professionally and within established timelines.

• Lower School traditions and events strengthen community and belonging.

Decision-Making Authority

Independent Authority

• Day-to-day instructional and operational decisions within the Lower School.

• Staff coaching, classroom support, and professional development planning.

• Implementation of schoolwide policies and procedures at the division level.

Requires Consultation or Approval

• Staffing recommendations, including hiring and non-renewal, in collaboration with the Head of School.

• Significant programmatic or scheduling changes impacting the division.

• Budgetary requests or resource reallocations.

Escalation Boundaries

• Student safety, legal, or compliance concerns must be immediately escalated to the Head of School.

• Issues that could affect reputation or the charter require prompt communication.

Qualifications & Competencies

Education and Certification

• Masters degree required

• North Carolina administrative licensure

Experience

• Minimum of three to five years of successful elementary or lower school leadership experience.

• Demonstrated experience with literacy, MTSS, and instructional coaching.

Core Competencies

• Deep understanding of child development and elementary instruction.

• Data-informed instructional leadership.

• Staff supervision and coaching expertise.

• Strong family communication and relationship-building skills.

• Commitment to ethical leadership and Socrates Academys core values.

Performance Evaluation & Accountability

The Head of Lower School is evaluated annually by the Head of School using the Key Result Areas and Key Performance Indicators outlined above. Evaluation includes mid-year progress monitoring, an annual formal review, and ongoing coaching conversations. Performance outcomes directly inform contract renewal and professional growth planning.

Alignment Statement

The Head of Lower School is a key steward of Socrates Academys mission and values, ensuring that scholars earliest educational experiences reflect Arete, Filotimo, Philoxenia, Ethos, empathy, and the pursuit of excellence. This role supports the schools long-term success by building strong academic and character foundations for every scholar.