Middle Years & Connections Principal

Mission

The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen. Our administrators and educators are experienced, energetic, and collaborative individuals who follow a constructivist, progressive educational philosophy which is student-centered and holds students to high standards while offering the support that helps them reach their goals. High Meadows values leaders who delight in the energy, curiosity, humor, and complexity of early adolescence and who are committed to nurturing students through both challenge and growth. As a PK–8 school, High Meadows’ leaders value the full arc of a child’s development and desire to be actively involved in the life of the entire school community.

Vision

High Meadows School and Camp inspires adventurous learners who ask questions that drive learning and seek sustainable solutions in collaboration with others. Our students emerge as ethical leaders with the skills and habits of mind to grow and adapt as they discover a place of purpose and joy in an ever-changing world.

About the Role

The Middle Years and Connections Principal (MY&CP) brings a genuine love of middle school students and a deep appreciation for this unique stage of development. This leader champions the Middle Years Program, elevates its visibility, and builds an awareness of the rich and rigorous academic program. They lead and manage the Middle Years Program and report directly to the Head of School and Camp. Additionally, they are responsible for the Connections Program including Visual Art, Theatre Arts, Spanish, Music, Information and Technology Literacy, Environmental Sustainability, Physical Education, Library, and the Barnyard/Animal Care.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise Middle Years and Connections faculty.
• Oversee and evaluate teaching and learning.
• Collaborate with teachers to design and implement dynamic, engaging curriculum.
• Build strong relationships with students and help them to manage the bumps along the way.
• Lead the integration and advancement of educational technology for Middle Years and Connections.
• Guide faculty in ongoing professional development.
• Serve as liaison to parents/guardians regarding student learning and curriculum.
• Recruit and interview prospective faculty and substitute teachers year-round.
• Manage the screening process for prospective students and provide feedback to support equitable, well‑qualified admissions decisions.
• Serve on School and Academic Leadership Teams.
• Model equitable practices and commit to meaningful and ongoing self-reflection.

Qualifications

• Motivated, nurturing, creative, self-directed, and effective collaborative team member.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively.
• Background in curriculum development, faculty supervision, and/or instructional coaching.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and faculty; flexible and an intuitive relationship‑builder with a sense of humor.
• Deep understanding of adolescent development and a genuine love for working with middle school students.
• Strong knowledge of progressive pedagogy and curricular design for middle school learners.
• Commitment to continuous learning and diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and experiential learning.
• Creative problem solver who can balance needs that may be in conflict.
• Skilled in practicing positive discipline within a progressive educational setting.
• Experience with outdoor education and participation in middle school overnight trips.
• Understanding of PK–8 school culture and a desire to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of school life.
• Master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field and 10+ years of middle school teaching and/or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and management skills; a self‑starter with initiative, follow‑through, and personal flexibility.

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should email their application to Jane Murphy, HR Manager (jmurphy@highmeadows.org) by March 2, 2026. A complete application includes: a resume, letter of interest, salary requirements, and contact information for at least five professional references including direct supervisors.

About High Meadows School

High Meadows School is located on 42 acres of historic farm property in Roswell, Georgia, and provides independent, progressive education for children age three through middle school. Our mission is to celebrate and perpetuate each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen. Our administrators and educators are experienced, energetic, and collaborative individuals who follow a constructivist, progressive educational philosophy which is student-centered and holds students to high standards while offering the support that helps them reach their goals. High Meadows values leaders who delight in the energy, curiosity, humor, and complexity of early adolescence and who are committed to nurturing students through both challenge and growth. As a PK–8 school, High Meadows’ leaders value the full arc of a child’s development and desire to be actively involved in the life of the entire school community.