Middle School Principal

Stratford School, part of Spring Education Group, is a leading independent WASC-accredited private school in California offering courses from preschool through 12th grade with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional educational foundation for children. At Stratford School, we understand every child has his or her own interests and passions and contributes in their own way. Our proven program includes our STEAM-based curriculum that was recognized by the White House as a leader in early childhood STEAM education, and we are also the first California school to earn the Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM.

The Opportunity: Middle School Principal

Are you a visionary educator who leads with empathy, purpose, and collaboration? Stratford Schools is seeking a Middle School Principal to champion our academic mission, inspire our faculty, and cultivate an exceptional learning environment.

In this vital, full-time, year-round leadership role, you won't just oversee day-to-day operations; you will shape the culture of our Middle School. From curriculum implementation and quality assurance to mentorship and professional development, you will be the driving force behind student success and staff growth. If you are passionate about providing top-tier academic leadership and unparalleled "customer service" to our families, we want to hear from you

Primary responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Regional Director and other school leaders to implement the school's vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Serve as the academic leader of the Middle School and oversee student performance and academic achievement. 
• Build relationships and rapport with students, parents, and staff.
• Ensures a safe, clean, attractive school and classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Counsels and provides guidance to students regarding personal, academic, vocational, and behavioral issues. 
• Recruit new staff: attend recruitment events, interview, and evaluate candidates. 
• Create a supportive, open, and collaborative environment for faculty and staff. Direct and support faculty and staff in performing their duties.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to record and review the instructional practices and ensure effective implementation of curricular and technology initiatives. 
• Reviews lesson plans and provides approval or comments on a timely basis.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in classroom management, teaching methodology, and general school procedures.
• Coach, mentor, train, and evaluate teachers using the LEAP Framework, modeling instructional techniques and providing constructive feedback and support for professional growth. 
• Conduct regular meetings and professional development opportunities with faculty.
• Collaborate with the Regional Director and Spring Education Group’s Education Team regarding the implementation of Stratford’s curriculum material
• Use data and parent feedback to strategize for overall school enhancements
• Lead and implement school-wide committees and initiatives, such as school improvement planning and WASC accreditation initiatives.

Business Operations:

• Serve as the educational leader of the Middle School and is responsible for its day-to-day operations.

• Adhere to and ensure compliance with local governing and licensing agencies.

• Support all WASC accreditation initiatives. 

• Ensure compliance with local and state regulations and maintain the National Association of Independent Schools' Principles of Good Practice.

• Create schedules for middle school teachers and students 

• Assign daily staff duties and schedules: recess, lunch, arrival, and dismissal.

• Maintain a comprehensive calendar of middle school events in collaboration with the master events calendar. 

• Plan middle school assemblies and special events in consultation with the Head of School and Head of Operations.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of School and High School Principal. Keep them informed of the middle school's general programs, activities, and concerns.

• Give top priority to customer service, both internal and external. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Personal Attributes:

• A servant leader who demonstrates courage, compassion, and care, and builds trust and support among colleagues, staff, and the community through experience, creativity, vision, and commitment to the school’s mission.

• A leader who can clearly articulate the vision of the school and inspire both internal and external customers.

• A creative individual who thinks globally, works collaboratively, is open to new ideas, and embraces change.

• Demonstrates leadership in the ability to teach, train, supervise, and support teachers in best practices.

• A mission-driven individual who leads by example with enthusiasm, passion, and sparking intelligence. 

• Strong knowledge of and commitment to middle school education. 

• An individual of high integrity and reputation who understands the importance of trust, respect, collaboration, and high standards of excellence.

• A good listener who is intuitive, thoughtful, considerate, and compassionate about relationships with others.

Position Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.

• Experience: 3–5 years of successful school leadership experience, preferably within an independent, private, or charter school setting.

• Tech-Savvy: Comfort and confidence utilizing educational and operational tools (e.g., Google Suite, PowerSchool, Schoology, Dayforce, Salesforce, ParentSquare).

• Analytical Skills: Ability to translate data and feedback into actionable instructional decisions.

• Flexibility: Strong organization and communication skills, with the flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend school events and meetings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In general, this position requires an individual to frequently walk, stand, sit, squat, stoop, reach, kneel, rise from the floor, twist, listen, read, write, and speak the English language. In addition, this position often requires an individual to carry, lift, use repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally push, pull, or bend. This position is regularly required to hear and use clear vision with or without correction. Spring Education Group, including, but not limited to SEG Inc., and their affiliates (collectively “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants for employment and employees are provided equal employment opportunities, including in recruitment, hiring, and assignment, without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion and religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. The Company expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee or student harassment or discrimination.