Head of School

About Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope

Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope is a member school of the Chesterton Schools Network and will be opening in the fall of 2023 with its first freshman class. First founded in 2008, Chesterton Academy schools has grown to over 45 co-ed schools in North America and offer a rigorous, integrated classical high school curriculum grounded in the Catholic Faith.

We are honored Bishop Tobin signed a decree on November 21st, 2022, recognizing the academy as a Catholic school in the Diocese of Providence. This academy is the first Chesterton Academy in New England and the only Catholic Classical High School in Rhode Island. The school is a parent and volunteer-driven effort at 487 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI. Daily Mass is celebrated as part of the school day.

Please visit www.chestertonri.org to review all the news, events, and background on this new school. Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope's mission is to exist exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, specifically to help parents raise a new generation of joyful leaders and saints educated in the classical, liberal arts tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith, to serve the common good.

Our Administrative Model

The Head of School and the Executive Director lead the administrative team, which operates under the Board of Trustees at Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. These co-leaders share the responsibilities of nurturing and maintaining the mission and traditions of the school, as well as ensuring fidelity to the Magisterium. Both administrators are hired by and report directly to the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

The Head of School must be a practicing Roman Catholic who demonstrates solid spiritual leadership and a commitment to Catholic secondary education. The ideal candidate will have a significant background in classical education, both his/her education and teaching experience in a classical school environment; previous experience in secondary school administration; familiarity with the mission of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope and the
teachings of the Catholic Church, and working knowledge of institutional advancement.

Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties include:

Curriculum and Academic Excellence:
Oversee the implementation of the Chesterton Schools Network curriculum as provided on Chesterton Online, the Network's learning management system
Oversee implementation of changes to the curriculum
Review results of student tests (CLT, PSAT, ACT, SAT)
Oversee school accreditation process and renewal per Network guidelines

Instruction
Oversee faculty hiring, evaluations, rehires, terminations
Coach faculty in their teaching. Conduct classroom observations for faculty members as part of the coaching process
Participate in Chesterton Schools Network curriculum training and head of school training calls

Student Life and Discipline
Ensure discipline policies are communicated and enforced
Oversee parent-led sports and extracurricular activities
Ensure the effectiveness of virtue house and faculty mentor programs
Oversee academic and behavioral eligibility for extra-curricular activities

Parent Communications
Send weekly Head of School Missive to parents or school newsletter
Meet with parents regarding student discipline and academic issues
Admissions
Admit new students upon review of the placement exam, student application materials, and meeting
Oversee transfer student process (curriculum, regulations, forms, finances)
Review placement tests and contact parents with remedial needs
Deliver presentations to prospective parents and students at selected school events

Guidance
Coordinate standardized testing, college applications, and transcript preparation
Communicate with colleges, universities, and other post-high school programs
Promote various vocational opportunities
Other School Operations
Oversee selection and evaluation of vendors (software, textbooks, other services)
Teaching responsibilities (as needed)

The Head of School collaborates with the Executive Director and the executive team for public relations, fundraising, student life events, and recruiting. He/She also works with the executive team on maintaining solid parent-school relationships and communication. A collaborative relationship between the Head of School, the Executive Director, and the Board is a requirement.

The Head of School serves as the academic leader. He/She is responsible for managing the policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that students are supervised in a safe and inspiring learning environment that adheres to our Catholic identity and meets the approved curriculum and mission of the school. The Head of School and, ultimately, his/her family are the "face" of Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Hope. The Head of School is crucial in recruiting and retaining students and families. He/she must inspire students in the classroom and ignite support and enthusiasm for classical education among our faculty, parents, and stakeholders. To this end, the Head of School should be present in the classrooms and hallways for most of the school day. In addition to any teaching responsibilities, the primary duties of the Head of School include forming the whole student, building the morale of the faculty, and protecting and implementing the Chesterton Schools Network Curriculum.

Skills Required
Competence in and understanding of innovative pedagogy
Commitment to and understanding of the CA mission
Dynamic leadership skills that facilitate learning, growth, and collaboration both inside
and outside the classroom
Commitment to working collaboratively and effectively with the administrative team
Willingness and ability to relate effectively to students, faculty, and members of the
community
Evidence of a strong commitment to, and understanding of, best practices in classical
education in co-ed secondary schools
Ability to exercise strong leadership qualities and communicate effectively and
appropriately at all times
Excellent written and oral communication, as well as presentation skills

Compensation
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Application Process
Apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to Mr. Michael Casey, at [email protected]