Hickory Hill Academy is seeking a dynamic K-8 Principal to serve as the relational leader of our campus community. This role is ideal for a high-energy school leader who loves being present with students, supporting teachers, and partnering with families to create a thriving school culture.
Unlike traditional principal roles, our leadership structure allows this position to focus on student culture, faculty support, and daily school life, while other members of our Senior Leadership Team manage academics, operations, and strategy. The result is a leadership environment where principals can focus on what matters most: students, teachers, and community. The ideal candidate is a visible, high-energy leader who enjoys being present in the hallway, greeting families in the car line, mentoring teachers, and supporting students through both challenges and triumphs.
Position Summary The Principal is the relational executive of the K-8 campus. This leader cultivates a strong student culture, supports teachers in implementing our academic programs, and serves as the primary point of contact for families regarding the day-to-day student experience.
Key Responsibilities
Student Culture & Character Development • Cultivate a school culture centered on character, service, and compassionate leadership. • Support students through restorative practices that encourage reflection, responsibility, and growth. • Maintain high expectations for student conduct while reinforcing a positive and respectful campus environment.
Faculty Support & Instructional Leadership • Provide daily mentorship and support to K-8 teachers. • Ensure consistent implementation of curriculum and student support systems developed by the academic leadership team. • Assist teachers in addressing classroom challenges and maintaining a positive learning environment.
Family Communication • Serve as the primary contact for K-8 parents regarding daily school life and student experience. • Address parent concerns with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication. • Build strong partnerships with families to support student success.
Campus Leadership • Maintain a visible presence throughout the school day-from morning car line to afternoon dismissal and school events. • Respond to the daily operational needs of the campus, including student discipline, teacher absences, and classroom coverage. • Supervise the K-8 Front Desk Coordinator and ensure smooth daily operations.
Collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team • Work closely with the Chief Program Officer and Pedagogy Lead to support instructional quality and student support systems. • Partner with the Director to maintain strong staff culture and communication. • Collaborate with school leadership to align daily practices with the school's mission and long-term strategy.
Experience The ideal candidate should have:
• 5+ years of K-8 school leadership experience (Assistant Principal, Principal, or equivalent role preferred) • Proven ability to build strong student culture and maintain high parent satisfaction • Leadership Presence • A visible, approachable leader who enjoys engaging with students and families • Comfortable serving as the public-facing leader of the K-8 campus • Emotional Intelligence • Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to navigate challenging parent or student situations • Experience implementing restorative discipline practices • Collaborative Mindset • Thrives within a team-based leadership structure • Values collaboration with specialists in curriculum, operations, and community engagement
What Makes this Position Unique At many schools, principals must manage everything-from curriculum design to budgeting to marketing. At Hickory Hill Academy, the LSMS Principal is supported by a dedicated Senior Leadership Team that includes specialists in academics, pedagogy, operations, and community engagement. This structure allows the Principal to focus on what truly matters:
• Building relationships • Supporting teachers • Cultivating student character • Creating an exceptional school culture
Compensation and Benefits The position offers:
• Salary: $85,000 - $105,000 based on experience • Health and retirement benefits • Professional development support • Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing independent school