Lower School Head

Location:
University Lake School | Hartland, WI

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

ABOUT UNIVERSITY LAKE SCHOOL

University Lake School (ULS) is a college preparatory school that delivers an incomparable education through the pursuit of academic excellence and the development of the whole student in a unique learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, original thinking, personal integrity, and character through service.

Across all grade levels, ULS follows a student-centered approach to learning. Students develop mastery of traditional fact- and process-based standards while engaging in hands-on, developmentally sound learning experiences that emphasize inquiry, research, publishing, and presentation. These experiences cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills essential for success in college and beyond.

The Lower School curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and emphasizes a balanced integration of child- and teacher-initiated learning. Teaching and learning are guided by close observation of children’s interests through play, documentation, reflection, and dialogue, alongside a strong commitment to the science of reading and research-informed early literacy practices. The program prioritizes deep relationships, reflective practice, respect for others, and meaningful engagement with the learning environment and broader community.

POSITION SUMMARY

University Lake School seeks a Head of the Lower School Division to provide visionary, relational, and operational leadership for its Lower School program. Responsible for the academic, social-emotional, and cultural life of the Preprimary (age 2–K) and Lower School (grades 1–4) divisions, the Lower School Head serves as the primary steward of the division’s student experience and programmatic vitality. Reporting to the Head of School, John Dewis, and serving as a member of the School Leadership Team, the Lower School Head oversees day-to-day operations, faculty development, student life, and parent communication; plays a vital role in advancing the School’s mission and values; and contributes to school-wide strategic initiatives.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Maintain and champion an innovative, high-caliber, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum that balances student-driven inquiry and project-based learning with a well-articulated scope and sequence, ensuring the development of foundational skills, conceptual depth, and academic confidence.
Partner with the Head of School and the entire community to embrace ULS’ identity as a destination for learning for all identities and intersectionalities, including the continued priority to integrate and grow the Falk Family Center for Learning Engagement while strengthening inclusive academic practices and ensuring all learners are meaningfully supported and challenged.
Lead, support, evaluate, empower, and retain ULS’s talented faculty through robust professional development and mentorship while fostering a culture that values collaboration, reflective practice, teacher voice, and professional autonomy.
Partner with the Director of Admissions to sustain strong enrollment momentum by serving as an ambassador for the Lower School, cultivating prospective family interest, and maintaining the school’s strong reputation within the broader community.
Foster and deepen the school’s inclusive community culture by strengthening relationships among students, faculty, and families and advancing practices that promote belonging across all aspects of Lower School life.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

Divisional Leadership and Operations

Provide overall leadership and vision for the Lower School division, ensuring alignment with ULS’s mission, philosophy, and strategic priorities.
Oversee the daily operations of the Lower School, maintaining continuity of supervision, safety, procedures, and program quality.
Establish a positive tone and culture for students and faculty through visible presence, thoughtful decision-making, and clear expectations.
Lead the review, development, and implementation of divisional policies, procedures, and practices.
Collaborate closely with the Head of School and leadership colleagues on school-wide initiatives and long-term planning.
Represent the Lower School at school events and community functions, serving as an articulate ambassador for the division.

Faculty Leadership and Professional Growth

Recruit, hire, mentor, evaluate, and retain outstanding Lower School faculty in alignment with ULS standards and values.
Conduct formal and informal classroom observations and provide timely, constructive feedback that supports instructional excellence and professional growth.
Lead faculty goal-setting, evaluation processes, and professional development planning within the division.
Plan and lead Lower School faculty meetings, fostering collaboration, reflection, and shared ownership of the program.
Serve as a primary mentor and support for new faculty, promoting a culture of trust, growth, and collegiality.

Student Life and Community Relations

Oversee student life within the Lower School, ensuring policies and practices are developmentally appropriate, compassionate, and consistent.
Address student discipline, behavioral concerns, and complex academic or social-emotional situations with care, clarity, and sound judgment.
Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for Lower School parents, maintaining open, transparent, and proactive communication.
Lead and participate in parent meetings related to student progress, behavioral challenges, and sensitive school decisions.
Support a strong sense of community among students, families, and faculty consistent with the school’s philosophy and values.

QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES

A charismatic and thoughtful leader who brings presence, authenticity, and relational warmth to the Lower School community.
Exceptional emotional intelligence and sound judgment, with the ability to navigate complex situations with care, discretion, and professionalism.
Deep understanding of early childhood and elementary education, including the developmental, social-emotional, and academic needs of young learners.
Proven ability to foster strong, trust-based partnerships with faculty, parents, and students.
Eager to embrace the school’s collegial culture and avoid top-down approaches, while also maintaining accountability.
Able to lead with humor, humility, and grace.
Ready to be actively involved in the life of the school beyond administrative duties, including having a visible presence at student activities, performances, and events.
Commitment to cultivating a safe, joyful, and intellectually vibrant learning environment where all children can thrive.
Excited for time in the outdoors.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Demonstrated deep experience in and understanding of the developmental, social, and academic needs of early childhood and elementary-aged students.
Prior experience in school leadership or administration.
Strong background in faculty supervision, curriculum leadership, and parent communication.

Salary & Benefits

Application Procedures

Interested candidates should submit the following materials confidentially in a single PDF file to: https://strategenius.my.site.com/jobboard/s?jobId=a0MV1000003r8tlMAA

A cover letter indicating your particular interest in and qualifications for the position
A current resume
The names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of five references, including your current Head of School and at least one other recent supervisor. References should speak to your ability to be an effective educator and administrator, to work successfully with children, and to work collaboratively and collegially with adults (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission). Please indicate your relationship with each reference (i.e. supervisor, colleague, or direct report).

Please address any questions by email to ara@strategenius.org

Program Description

Contact Info

Ara Brown - ara@strategenius.org

Job Opportunity