Assistant Head of Lower School; Interim

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time La Jolla, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a collaborative, thoughtful, and student-centered educational leader to join our Lower School leadership team as an Assistant Head of Lower School for the remainder of the  academic year. This role helps shape the holistic student experience, bringing together academic programming, student life, co-curricular experiences, faculty development, and strong partnerships with families. Working closely with the Head of Lower School, team leads, faculty, and school wide leaders, this individual will help create a cohesive, engaging, and mission-aligned experience for students while fostering collaboration and continuity across the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

The ideal candidate is a reflective educator and relationship builder who combines a deep understanding of child development and teaching and learning with strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a genuine enthusiasm for school life. They are energized by working with students, supporting faculty, partnering with families, and contributing to a vibrant educational community. A growth mindset, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential to success in this role.

La Jolla Country Day School is dedicated to developing the scholar, artist, and athlete of character through a balanced, intentional educational experience. In the Lower School, academic excellence and character education are equally important, laying the foundation for students’ future academic success, personal growth, and global responsibility. Student voice, faculty collaboration, and strong family partnerships are central to building a connected and caring community.

Our students learn in a warm, spirited, and nurturing environment where curiosity, risk-taking, and growth are encouraged. We believe meaningful learning happens when students feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired to discover their strengths and develop their independence.

We are a mission-driven community committed to equity and belonging. We value educators and leaders who bring curiosity, flexibility, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit to their work. This is an opportunity for an engaged educational leader to make a meaningful impact on students, faculty, and the broader school community.

• Division Leadership & Operations
  • Partner with the Head of Lower School and other administrators to lead the daily life and operations of the division, fostering a supportive, orderly, and mission-aligned learning environment
  • Help establish, communicate, and implement division priorities, expectations, policies, and procedures
  • Coordinate academic scheduling, class enrollment, exploratory programming, and other academic planning processes
  • Develop and maintain the Lower School master calendar and coordinate key division activities and events
  • Communicate division programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and important information clearly and consistently to students, families, faculty, and other school constituencies
  • Maintain strong relationships and collaborate with Middle School, Upper School, and school wide colleagues to promote alignment and continuity across divisions
  • Keep the Head of Lower School informed of significant student matters, operational needs, and developments affecting the division
• Collaborate with team leads and faculty to review, develop, and evaluate curriculum, ensuring alignment with the school's mission, educational goals, instructional practices, and assessment approaches
• Support the development and implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate academic programs that respond to students' evolving needs
• Oversee academic planning, student progress reporting, grading practices, and the maintenance of accurate academic records
• Observe and support classroom instruction, provide constructive feedback, and work with faculty to strengthen teaching and learning
• Serve as a resource to teachers on instructional methods, classroom management, assessment, and school procedures
• Encourage reflective practice, innovation, and the ongoing evaluation of curriculum and instructional approaches
• Help cultivate a safe, inclusive, and engaging school…