Head of Lower School

St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School is an outstanding co-educational Independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in Austin, Texas. The Lower School comprises PreK 3-4th grades, the Middle School houses grades 5-8, and the Upper School contains grades 9-12. We are distinguished by our Catholic tradition, a

welcoming and diverse community, excellent academic programs, and a variety of

extracurricular activities. Teachers and staff hael's Prep further serve as role models

that inspire students to think critically, reflect, explore, and apply their faith concretely to

their lives. We are one community with three divisions, united in our commitment

to put students first as we educate them in mind, body, and spirit.

St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School is entering an exciting period of thoughtful academic and programmatic growth. The next Head of Lower School will join a strong leadership team and help shape the continued development of a Lower School experience that is intellectually engaging, spiritually grounded, developmentally responsive, and deeply attentive to the formation of the whole child. St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School seeks an experienced, mission-centered, and visionary educator to serve as Head of Lower School beginning July 1, 2027.

The Head of Lower School provides strategic, instructional, and operational leadership for the Lower School, ensuring that each student is known, supported, challenged, and formed within a joyful Catholic learning community. The Head works closely with the Head of School, senior leadership, faculty, and families to advance academic excellence, strengthen the student experience, and ensure thoughtful continuity across the divisions.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the developmental needs of young learners and a demonstrated ability to cultivate a culture of curiosity, belonging, reflection, and purposeful growth. The Head of Lower School will help students discover their gifts, explore meaningful questions, discern wisely, and develop the confidence and character to act with intention.

• Demonstrate a deep commitment to Catholic education and the mission of St. Michael's Catholic Preparatory School.
• Possess at least a Master's Degree in Education or a related field.
• Bring significant experience as an elementary school educator and leader. Possess a strong understanding of child development and best practices in Lower School education.
• Demonstrate experience supporting Catholic identity, social-emotional learning, and innovativeinstructional practice as integrated elements of school life.
• Be warm, visible, relational, and accessible.
• Be strategic while remaining attentive to daily details.
• Be a clear, calm, and confident communicator.
• Be an advocate for children and a trusted partner to families.
• Be skilled at leading change thoughtfully and building confidence during periods of growth.
• Be committed to academic excellence, student formation, and the development of the whole child.
• Be curious, reflective, collaborative, and open to new possibilities. Honor institutional history while helping the school move purposefully into the future