Head Of Schools​/Principal

Summit Schools, Cedar Rapids’ only nonprofit, independent Pre Kindergarten through 8th grade school, seeks a relational, mission-driven Head of Schools to lead a dynamic and diverse learning community.

For almost 30 years, Summit has delivered a multisensory, individualized educational experience grounded in strong academic standards and a deep commitment to social-emotional development. Families choose Summit for its small class sizes and adaptive learning models. The community-centered culture at Summit cultivates the whole child, each of whom is known, valued and supported. The school's commitment to the whole child is reflected in its strong PE, IMSE, music, art and Spanish programming.

Outdoor learning, daily recess and community connections are other hallmarks of this small school.

The Head of Schools serves as the chief academic leader of the school, responsible for stewarding Summit’s mission, strengthening its culture, ensuring academic excellence, and guiding sustainable growth.

• Embod y, articulate, and advance the mission, vision, and values of Summit Schools.
• Serve as the cultural anchor of the school, modeling respect, inclusion, collaboration, and high expectations.
• Champion social-emotional learning and individualized instruction as core components of the school’s identity.

• Lead faculty in maintaining and exceeding academic standards while preserving autonomy in curriculum delivery.
• Support effective multi-age instructional practices and differentiated learning strategies.
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, grading, reporting, and technology integration.
• Support continued implementation, training and delivery of IMSE Orton-Gillingham curriculum.
• Ensure alignment with Iowa state standards and accreditation requirements.
• Provide regular classroom observation, coaching, and meaningful evaluation processes.
• Lead ongoing professional development focused on diverse learners, SEL integration, and instructional excellence.
• Oversee state testing and required reporting, including submitting BEDS reports.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality staff aligned with Summit’s mission.
• Foster a collaborative, cohesive, and respectful staff culture that balances autonomy with accountability.
• Lead performance evaluation, contracts, compensation recommendations, and professional growth planning.
• Support and lead a tiered MTSS support system to ensure students receive appropriate intervention and enrichment.
• Ensure clear communication and consistent expectations across all programs.

• Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and orderly learning environment where students thrive academically and emotionally.
• Establish and uphold standards for student conduct and community expectations.
• Oversee academic records, student guidance, and reporting practices.
• Maintain visible and engaged leadership presence within classrooms and school activities.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide strategic insight, data, and scenario planning to support board decision-making.
• Implement board policies, review annually and recommend policy revisions as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and maintain transparent communication regarding school operations and strategic priorities.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings, including committee meetings and board retreats.

• Oversee day-to-day school operations including academic programs, extended care, tutoring, summer programs, and enrichment.
• Collaborate on budget development and monitor financial stewardship in alignment with enrollment and long-term sustainability goals.
• Supervise facilities operations, compliance, and vendor relationships.
• Stay current on SAI legislation, impacts to school operations and coordinate with Administration and Board as needed to address changes.
• Manage technology inventory, staff access and coordinate with AEA as needed.
• Prepare master scheduling and faculty assignments.

• Serve as an ambassador…