School Principal - Full Time

Position Type:Administration/Division HeadDate Posted:2/6/2026Location:Independence was founded in 1978 by parents seeking a challenging education that would be strong in the academic areas, arts, foreign languages, and athletics. Today, the school occupies a 90-acre campus in the Pike Creek Valley (near Hockessin, Newark, and Wilmington, Cecil County, MD, andSoutheastern Chester County, PA), and features state of the art facilities and outdoor classrooms.
The Independence School, an independent day school welcoming children age 3 through 8th Grade, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation andso much more. Our school mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer students an unparalleled educational experience, opportunities for leadership and a welcoming community for the entire family.
Head of Lower and Intermediate School
Direct Supervisor: Head of School
Type: Full-Time Staff Employee
The Head of Lower and Intermediate School provides visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leadership for Grades 1 5. This role is responsible for the academic, social-emotional, and cultural life of the division, ensuring an engaging, developmentally responsive program aligned with the School's mission, values, and strategic priorities. A member of the Leadership Team, the Head of Lower and Intermediate School partners closely with faculty, families, the other Division Heads, and the Head of School to foster a joyful learning environment where students are known, challenged, and supported.
High energy and enthusiasm with the ability to learn quickly, make an immediate impact, and implement new initiatives
Supports and aligns with the School's mission, values, and policies
Commitment to fostering and supporting a safe and healthy atmosphere and an inclusive community
Oversee daily operations of the division, including scheduling, student placement, staffing, and curricular program
Provide instructional leadership and guide the design and implementation of developmentally responsive, inclusive, and inquiry-based curriculum and instructional practices
Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports students' academic and social-emotional development
Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate faculty in Grades 1 5
Provide regular feedback, coaching, and professional learning opportunities to support instructional excellence
Support faculty well-being, morale, and retention through relationship-centered leadership
Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for families in Grades 1 5, fostering open, proactive, and respectful communication and collaboration
Review and edit/revise all major grade-level & division communication and report card comments
Partner with the Student Support Team and parents/caregivers to support student growth and community well-being
Collaborate with the Business Office on faculty HR matters, division budgeting, purchasing, school policy compliance, and other operational needs
Represent the Lower and Intermediate Grades at school events and community gatherings
Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and best practices in independent school education
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education or educational leadership preferred
Teaching experience at the elementary level; Deep knowledge of child development, curriculum design, assessment, and effective instructional practices
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and support faculty within a collaborative school culture
Familiarity with independent school culture, organizational structures, and expectations
Aptitude to learn new systems, software, and platforms including student information systems
Proficiency in a Windows environment and with Google Workspace/MS Office
The Head of Lower and Intermediate School is a year-round position.The Independence School prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.