Founding Head of School

Head of School – Job Description
Summary

St. Philip’s Church in Charleston, SC is starting a classical school—St. Philip’s Academy: A Christian School in the Classical Tradition—and is seeking a founding Head of School to continue building and leading the school forward. The school will start with K4 and K5 classes for the 2025/26 school year under the leadership of the Primary School Director, and expand to include elementary school in 2026/27 with middle school and high school to be added in
successive years.
The Head of School will work closely with the St. Philip’s Academy Board of Visitors, appointed by the church’s Vestry in consultation with its Rector, to set policy and develop administrative processes for running the school. The Head of School will work closely with the leadership of St. Philip’s Church to help ensure a spirit of collaboration and unity between the school and the church.

Location: St. Philip’s Academy is located adjacent to St. Philip’s Church in the historic district of Charleston, South Carolina.

Campus: St. Philip’s Academy will initially occupy a 15,000 sf historic building that is currently being renovated in preparation for the 2025/26 school year.

Class Size:  Initial class size will be limited to 14 - 20 students per grade

Mission Our mission is to cultivate academic excellence through a classical Christian education, to inspire students to love and honor God and neighbor, and to prepare them to be principled leaders and citizens who serve others as ambassadors for Christ.

Motto Omnia Christi Gloriae= All Things for the Glory of Christ

St. Philip’s Church
St. Philip’s Church is a thriving congregation of over 1500 members located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, considered one of the best cities in the world by numerous publications. Founded in 1680, St. Philip’s is the oldest congregation in the United States south of Virginia. The church has played a vital role in the spiritual, cultural and civic life of the people of Charleston and this nation for over three centuries. In its churchyard are buried
leading patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. St. Philip’s is a member of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, a member of the Anglican Church in North America. For more information, please visit: ww.stphilipschurchsc.org

Qualifications and Qualities
 Belief in and willingness to uphold the School’s Statement of Faith (attached) is required.
 Candidates must be a confirmed Anglican or a member of a faith denomination that aligns with orthodox Anglican tenets and willing to pursue Anglican confirmation.
 Experience with or understanding of classical Christian education is required.
 Organizational administration experience required; school administration experience preferred.
 Prior leadership experience is required.
 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
 Classroom teaching experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Initially the Head of School will be responsible for the many tasks necessary for the start-up of the school, including:

 Collaborating with the Board and church representatives to determine the best use of the school building to allow for school operations, flexibility, and growth.
 Buying necessary furniture and equipment.
 Planning curriculum for future grades in collaboration with the Primary School Director.
 Hiring teachers for elementary grades and evaluating initial teacher hires.
 Facilitate faculty development and educate parents in classical Christian education.
 Hiring additional support staff.
 Recruiting new students.
 Working with the Board to continue fundraising for the school.
 Developing a daily schedule, a school calendar, and expectations for faculty, staff, students, and families.
 Overseeing the maintenance of the school website to promote the school and to allow interested families to learn more about the school and to apply for enrollment.
 Developing an admissions process and making initial admissions decisions including financial aid policies and procedures.

After the opening of the school, the Head of School will be responsible for leading, managing, and overseeing all aspects of the school, including:

 Academic programs.
 Extracurricular activities.
 Day-to-day operations of the school.
 Curriculum choices and development.
 Recruitment, retention, development and evaluation of qualified faculty and staff.
 Integration of the school as a ministry of St. Philip’s Church (which will require collaboration with the school Chaplain and the Rector of St. Philip’s Church).
 Recruitment, conduct and discipline of students. Development of school accreditation and professional associations.
 Planning for future growth.
 Development of financial budgets and plans in coordination with the Board.
 Management of communication with all constituencies.
 Meetings and communications with the Board and appropriate committees.
 All finances of the school to ensure responsible fiscal management.
 Maintenance and development of the school campus.
 Serving as the primary representative of the school to parents, donors and the broader community.
 Long-term strategic planning for the school.
 Implementation of the school’s mission, vision and goals.
 Upholding and promoting the Christian ethos of the school in all aspects of school life.
 Evaluation of additional property locations for future growth of the school.

Timing: Available to start no later than July 1, 2026.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with candidate qualifications.

Interested in Applying?
Interested parties are invited to submit a cover letter introducing yourself and your qualifications, along with a resume that includes references. Please keep this initial submission to no more than three pages. All information should be sent in a single email to:

stpacademy@stphilipschurchsc.org

Applicant submissions will be accepted beginning March 1, 2025.