St. Mary's Academy - Lower School Principal

ACIS accredits, supports, and advances the interests of Colorado independent schools. Founded in 1864 by the Sisters of Loretto, St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) is Colorado’s oldest, continuously operating independent school. Located on a 24-acre campus in Englewood, just minutes from downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, SMA serves 717 students in a coed Preschool (3-year-olds) through Grade 8 program and an all-girls college preparatory high school. For over 160 years, SMA has upheld its Catholic, independent school heritage with a commitment to academics, faith, service, and community. Grounded in our Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect, SMA is committed to creating powerful agents of change who are prepared for academic success and lives of leadership and service. About the Lower School The Lower School serves students from Preschool through Grade 5, with approximately 200 students. It’s a joyful and close-knit community where learning feels natural and every child is known personally. Families are deeply engaged, and faculty build strong relationships with students. Students develop strong foundations through a challenging curriculum in a highly supportive, community-oriented environment. They benefit from small classes, individualized attention, and positive interactions with master teachers, learning specialists, and teaching assistants. Learning is hands-on and project-based, sparking interest and a sense of caring about the world. Families are deeply engaged, and faculty build strong relationships with students. At Grade 5, students enjoy expanded opportunities with elective courses in the arts, Spanish, and physical education, taught by Middle School specialists, which eases their transition to the next level. SMA maintains high academic standards while fostering a love of learning. Students engage with programs like Superkids Reading, Into Reading, and enVision Math, alongside hands-on, play-based learning opportunities. The Loretto Leaders program offers Lower School students age-appropriate service opportunities, enabling them to develop responsibility, empathy, and leadership skills. Position Summary The Lower School Principal serves as the instructional leader and ambassador for SMA’s youngest learners. Reporting to the President, the principal is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Lower School, ensuring that every student is academically challenged, socially and emotionally supported, and spiritually nurtured. The principal serves as the primary spiritual leader in our Catholic education. This role requires strategic vision and hands-on engagement. The principal will lead curriculum development and assessment practices, bringing strong instructional expertise and experience with emerging educational technologies. They will work closely with the Admissions Office to attract and welcome new families, and partner with the Advancement Office to cultivate donor relationships that support the Lower School’s mission. The principal will champion thoughtful program growth that honors the magic of the SMA community. The next principal will join a collaborative leadership team and maintain a visible, energetic presence on campus. Responsibilities include faculty hiring, supervision, and professional development; strategic planning; and serving as the public face of the Lower School. Most importantly, the Lower School Principal must embody the warmth and authenticity that make SMA special. This is a leader who genuinely loves working with children and inspires confidence in families, faculty, and students alike. Qualifications and Candidate Attributes St. Mary’s Academy seeks an experienced, forward-thinking leader who combines strong professional skills with an engaging, enthusiastic personality.The ideal candidate brings an understanding of Catholic education and proven experience in a faith-based learning environment. Professional Qualifications • 5+ years of leadership experience in early childhood and elementary education (elementary principal experience strongly preferred) • Master’s degree required • Extensive experience in elementary education and program development • Proven success in faculty hiring, development, and evaluation • Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and innovative instructional practices • Experience with admissions, recruitment, and serving as a public spokesperson Candidate Attributes • Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Catholic faith and Loretto School Values of faith, community, justice, and respect • Keeps SMA’s mission at the center of decision-making and serves as the administrator of SMA’s strategic plan in the Lower School • Shows genuine enthusiasm for St. Mary’s Academy and its mission, with appreciation for the values of a faith-based school environment • Brings energy, charisma, and positivity, and is someone students run to greet and parents enjoy working with • Builds trust naturally through genuine listening and creates strong connections with students, faculty, and families • Embraces new ideas and asks “why not?” when considering possibilities for program improvement • Brings wisdom and stability to leadership while embracing joy and new ideas • Creates fun, builds traditions, and ensures the Lower School is a place of celebration and achievement • Represents SMA authentically and enthusiastically to prospective families, community partners, and the broader educational community To Apply: Please submit the following to Lyndal Brookhart, Director of Human Resources, at

lbrookhart@smanet.org • A cover letter addressed to St. Mary’s Academy explaining your interest in the Lower School Principal position • Current résumé • Brief statement of educational philosophy (1–2 pages) • Contact information for three to five professional references (references contacted only with candidate permission) Salary Range: • $120,000 – $130,000, based upon experience, with a comprehensive benefits package.

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