Head of School

Affiliations: Society for Classical Learning – MSDE Certified

Meet Grace Classical Academy

• Your Child Deserves a Great Education.
• You Deserve Peace of Mind.
• A Pre K-3 through 12th grade classical Christian private school in Harford County, MD
• Our Christ-centered, classical approach to education is designed to cultivate joy, confidence, and a love for learning in our students.

Our Purpose

Grace Classical Academy provides a full Pre-K 3 – 12th-grade program by using engaging methods such as the classical model of education. This model originates from ancient cultures and is based on the Latin word “Trivium,” which is translated in a three-fold or three-part way. The three stages of the Trivium are the Grammar stage (grades Pre-K through 6), the Logic or Dialectic stage (grades 7-8), and the Rhetoric stage (grades 9-12).

Grammar stage instruction focuses on mastering a rich body of information and facts by engaging methods such as songs and jingles. Students in the Logic/Dialectic stage learn how to think analytically and develop their use of inductive and deductive reasoning skills. Rhetoric students polish their writing and speaking skills, helping them to be persuasive and eloquent in oral and written presentations.

Our curriculum is thoroughly integrated with the truth of our faith. The goal is to help students develop a Christian worldview and think biblically. We are an independent, non-denominational school. GCA is not church-affiliated, and all students are welcome to apply.

About the Head of School

Grace Classical Academy is searching for a Head of School to serve as the academic and visionary leader of the academy. The Head of School is the sole employee of the Board in keeping with the policy governance model. Grace Classical Academy is looking to fill this position in time for service in the 2025-26 school year or as soon as possible.

The Head of School is the chief academic and administrative officer. The Head of School’s primary duty is to implement and maintain the mission of Grace Classical Academy. Other responsibilities include managing daily operations and supervising all faculty and staff in a classical Christian education setting. In concert with the Advisory Board, the Head of School also oversees the development and implementation of a Strategic Plan and ensures compliance with accreditation and school membership agencies.

The Head of School’s responsibilities include:

Mission

• Owns and passionately communicates the vision, mission, & values to all stakeholders and to the surrounding community.
• Develop and implement methods to promote and proactively encourage examples of school values.
• Inspires positive cultural growth and corrects negative cultural trends.
• Loves learning and pursues the effective implementation of classical education.

Academic

• Oversees the development and implementation of the strategic planning process.
• Ensure that appropriate Classical context and methods are utilized and that graduates are consistently prepared to gain entrance into quality universities.
• Strong leader who values collective leadership and nurtures a strong team, ensuring that a spirit of collaboration exists.
• Actively supports faculty and ensures that they have adequate resources.
• Develops and implements the organizational structure, processes, and systems of accountability.
• Fosters a dynamic and positive work environment to attract and retain quality faculty and staff. 

Personnel 

• Recruits and retains excellent faculty and staff.
• Oversees professional development of direct reports.
• Oversees the implementation of the evaluative process to facilitate encouragement & growth.
• Develops and maintains a succession plan for key employees to minimize transition risk.

Financial Development

• Meaningfully advances development efforts to strengthen long-term financial stability.
• Guides the formation and execution of the annual budget with financial and business acumen. 
• Assists the Advisory Board in the strategic process and planning of fundraising for capital expenses and scholarships.
• Identifies, builds, and strengthens lasting relationships with key donors.

Communication

• Effectively markets the school’s vision and value to all stakeholders, prospective students, donors, colleges & universities, and the broader community.
• Builds relationships with key individuals to strengthen ties to the community (e.g. pastors, city council members, etc.).
• Oversees marketing tools (e.g. website, brochures, etc.).

Board Relationship

• Maintains a proactive, healthy, and effective relationship with the Advisory Board.
• Monitors and transparently communicates the health of the organization and policy suggestions to the Board; ensures all communication with the Board is clear and thorough.
• Carries out other responsibilities as required by the Board. 
• This role description is intended to represent key areas of responsibilities; specific assignments may vary from time to time, and other duties may be assigned.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Head of School:

Education and experience

• Master’s degree is required.
• 5+ years experience in classroom teaching, preferably in a Classical school. 
• 3+ years of administration/leadership experience, preferably in a Classical school. 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Spiritually vibrant Christian displaying Christ-centered servant leadership that integrates faith and work in a spirit of humility
• Conversant in classical Christian pedagogy
• Demonstrates dependability and a teachable spirit
• Demonstrates self-awareness, thirst for learning, and openness to professional growth
• Demonstrates care for all students in the school
• Advocates strongly for the importance of classical education, logic, rhetoric, Latin, and other critical components of our curriculum
• Spiritual Leader
• Articulates a Christian worldview to students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community
•  Demonstrates a life of impeccable character, is respected as trustworthy, and lives the values of integrity, service, and respect for others
• Servant leader who demonstrates the ability to seek advice and counsel as needed
• Demonstrated success with managing and leading people. Able to recognize strengths and weaknesses in staff, building on and capitalizing on the former while gracefully helping them to improve on the latter
• Able servant-leader whose conduct exemplifies Biblical principles.
• Ability to foster professional relationships with the Board, parents, staff, and community.
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What it’s like to live in Bel Air, MD

Bel Air, Maryland, is an ideal place to live for those who appreciate a blend of small-town charm and modern convenience. Located in Harford County, Bel Air offers a strong sense of community with its vibrant downtown, local shops, and year-round events such as the Bel Air Festival for the Arts and First Fridays. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with safe neighborhoods and a range of recreational activities, making it an attractive location for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.  

The town provides easy access to major metropolitan areas while maintaining a peaceful suburban atmosphere. Bel Air is conveniently located near I-95, allowing for a short commute to Baltimore and other employment hubs in the region. Additionally, the town boasts a variety of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor spaces, including the Ma & Pa Trail and Rockfield Park, which encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. With a mix of historical sites and contemporary amenities, Bel Air offers the best of both worlds for residents seeking a well-balanced lifestyle.  

Another reason to consider living in Bel Air is its strong local economy and growing job market. The town is home to a variety of businesses, from locally owned boutiques to national retailers, providing ample employment opportunities. The nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground and healthcare sector also contribute to economic stability. Dining and entertainment options are diverse, with a mix of casual eateries, fine dining, and cultural attractions such as the Bel Air Armory and Harford Artists Gallery. With its excellent amenities, community-focused atmosphere, and prime location, Bel Air is a wonderful place to call home.