Preschool and Elementary School Principal

Job Summary

The Preschool & Elementary Principal (Preschool–grade 4) provides visionary, instructional, and operational leadership for the preschool and elementary division. The principal oversees program effectiveness, faculty supervision, and curriculum alignment while cultivating a cohesive, student-centered culture.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise approximately 30 teachers and para-educators
• Establish and maintain a culture of collaboration, high expectations, and professional growth
• Set clear performance standards and provide consistent coaching, feedback, and formal evaluations
• Foster leadership capacity within faculty and staff
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration between instructional and resource staff
• Align curriculum vertically from Preschool through grade 4 to ensure academic continuity and excellence
• Support developmentally appropriate practices across early childhood and elementary grade levels
• Utilize student achievement data to inform instructional decisions and drive continuous improvement
• Promote inclusive instructional practices that address diverse learning needs
• Lead the unification of two school communities into one cohesive Preschool & Elementary school culture
• Design and implement strategic plans that promote staff alignment and organizational stability
• Navigate resistance with professionalism and clarity while fostering engagement and shared ownership
• Guide the school community through periods of transition with steady and strategic leadership
• Serve as the primary liaison for parents, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely communication
• Build strong, trust-based partnerships with families to support student academic and social-emotional success
• Address parent concerns with professionalism, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving
• Represent family perspectives in leadership discussions while upholding school policies and standards
• Develop and maintain communication systems that foster transparency and inclusion
• Cultivate engagement opportunities that strengthen school-family partnerships and community connections

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Required

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Demonstrates strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Provides operational leadership for the preschool–grade 4 division, ensuring effective systems, structures, and processes
• Oversees budgeting, staffing allocation, scheduling, and resource management to support program effectiveness
• Learns organizational change effectively, navigating complex transitions with confidence and stability
• Manages large instructional teams with operational discipline, accountability, and attention to morale
• Ensures compliance with employment laws, student regulations, and institutional policies
• Oversees student support systems and ensures alignment with regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Instructional Leadership
• Possesses deep knowledge of early childhood and elementary instructional best practices
• Aligns curriculum vertically from preschool through grade 4 to ensure academic continuity and excellence
• Implements developmentally appropriate practices across grade levels
• Utilizes student achievement data to drive instructional decisions and continuous school improvement
• Oversees student resource processes, accommodations planning, and inclusive instructional practices that support diverse learners
• Interpersonal & Organizational Leadership
• Builds strong, collaborative communities through clear and effective communication
• Demonstrates success with high emotional intelligence, by mediating staff and parent conflict, and resolved issues with professionalism and care
• Maintains a calm, steady presence in high-pressure situations
• Makes timely, well-informed decisions with confidence and accountability
• Aligns long-term strategic vision with practical, measurable implementation
• Champions equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning in all decisions
• Develops leadership capacity within teams through coaching, collaboration, and results-driven accountability

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in educational leadership or related field
• Administrative certification
• 5 years of school administration roles
• 5 years of managing large instructional teams and divisions
• Evidence of leading organizational change and school improvement initiatives
• Experience overseeing student support services or intervention systems (preferred)

Salary & Benefits

River Valley’s compensation for full-time 12-month Administration roles depends upon the experience of the final appointed candidate. Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

River Valley offers a 403b retirement plan, PTO, holidays, and other days off as per school calendar, tuition discount, professional development opportunities, and more!