Assistant Head of Lower School

Description

Battle Ground Academy (BGA) currently seeks an Assistant Head of Lower School to join our team. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, BGA is a co-educational, independent day school serving Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

The Assistant Head of Lower School plays a central role in shaping the student experience across grades K–4. This position is grounded in a deep belief that students thrive in environments where they feel a strong sense of belonging, are known and supported, and are held to clear, consistent expectations.

Partnering closely with the Head of Lower School and academic leadership, the Assistant Head provides vision and leadership for student life, including community culture, wellness, and behavioral expectations. This role also supports faculty growth, coordinates key operational systems, and helps ensure a cohesive and joyful Lower School experience for students and families.

Primary Responsibilities:

Student Life & Community Leadership

• Provide leadership for all aspects of the Lower School student experience, including belonging, wellness, community culture, and behavioral expectations
• Partner with the Head of Lower School to set and implement a vision for student life aligned with the school’s mission, values, and developmental best practices
• Oversee and support assemblies, traditions, and student events that build connection, celebrate learning, and strengthen school identity
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the school day (arrival, transitions, lunch, recess, dismissal)
• Student Behavior & Support Systems
• Coordinate and support student behavior support, including restorative practices and school expectations
• Partner with teachers to ensure consistent, developmentally appropriate responses to student behavior
• Collaborate closely with school counselors, learning specialists, and leadership to provide proactive and responsive student support

Instructional Support & Faculty Growth

• Partner with the Head of Lower School and Instructional Coaches to align academic expectations and student well-being
• Provide in-the-moment support to teachers during instructional or behavioral situations

Operations, Assessment & Coordination

• Serve as the Lower School testing coordinator, managing the planning, communication, and administration of all standardized assessments
• Develop testing schedules and ensure all protocols are implemented with clarity and care
• Assist with daily operations, including scheduling, calendar coordination, arrival and dismissal routines, and division-wide communication
• Support oversight of student attendance, including tracking absences and partnering with families to ensure clear, consistent communication
• Coordinate shadow days and partner with Admissions to ensure a welcoming, thoughtful experience for prospective students
• Collaborate with Extended Care and Explore programs to ensure a cohesive student experience across the full school day
• Assist with handbook and policy review to ensure clarity, consistency, and developmental appropriateness

Community Engagement & Enrollment

• Communicate with families with empathy, professionalism, and a strong service-oriented approach
• Serve as a point of contact for parent communication related to student experience, behavior, and day-to-day needs
• Participate in faculty and staff hiring processes
• Support the broader school community by attending co-curricular events
• Serve on Admissions Committee

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education or related field
• Valid teaching and/or educational leadership certification
• Experience in elementary education, with increasing leadership responsibility
• Strong understanding of child development, student behavior, and best practices in elementary education
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and foster a positive school culture

Key Qualities

• Deeply committed to student belonging, wellness, and growth
• Skilled in building systems that support both students and teachers
• Calm, consistent, and relational in navigating student behavior
• Strong communicator who builds trust with students, families, and faculty
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Work Environment

This role is highly visible and relational, with a strong presence in classrooms, hallways, and community spaces. The Assistant Head plays an essential role in the daily rhythm of the Lower School and in shaping a positive, connected experience for students and faculty.

Essential functions and additional details will be shared during the interview process.