Head of Lower School

Fredericksburg Academy 

Head of Lower School

Fredericksburg Academy is seeking a new  Head of Lower School for the 2026 year and beyond (start date can be sooner if candidate is available). The Head of Lower School is responsible for providing leadership, development, and support for instructional, curricular, behavioral, and support systems. The position administers and manages the divisional budget and supervises all Lower School faculty, staff, and students. In order to create a dynamic learning environment, the Head of Lower School is charged with the responsibility of all curricular, non-curricular, life skills development and activities involving students and faculty of the Lower School. In addition, the division head oversees the recruitment, hiring and supervision and evaluation of the Lower School’s instructional staff and support personnel.

Located in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, Fredericksburg Academy sits on 44 acres of forest and fields. FA’s campus features three state-of-the-art facilities to promote an education in everything from fine arts and competitive athletics to lab sciences. The Lower School has adopted and integrated experiential learning and outdoor education in all elementary and early childhood classrooms. FA Lower School teachers have been willing to embrace new learning, training, and putting the children first in order to ensure the most meaningful and memorable learning experiences. The campus provides FA students with a place to not only learn and grow, but with one that supports our mission and promotes students to discover, engage, and imagine the limitless nature of themselves and the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Head of Lower School reports to the Head of School and is responsible for providing leadership, development, and support for instructional, curricular, behavioral, and support systems. 
• The position administers and manages the divisional budget and supervises all Lower School faculty, staff, and students. In order to create a dynamic learning environment, the Head of Lower School is charged with the responsibility of all curricular, non- curricular, life skills development and activities involving students and faculty of the Lower School. 
• In addition, the division head oversees the recruitment, hiring and supervision and evaluation of the Lower School’s instructional staff and support personnel.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the building and programs, including but not limited to, preparing the master schedule; developing and implementing school policies and procedures for student programming and guidance; overseeing and implementing attendance and behavioral policies.
• Maintain academic and co-curricular programs that support Fredericksburg Academy’s mission and beliefs. Models, professionally and personally, school values.
• Oversees curricular design and management and conducts ongoing evaluation of people and programs in the Lower School.
• Oversees teaching and learning; builds faculty knowledge and expertise in effective instruction and academic standards; regularly visits classrooms and meets with faculty to provide feedback.
• Engages and collaborates with families and acts as a liaison to parents for student learning, discipline issues, and curricular information.
• Works in tandem with the Admission Office in the screening process for prospective students and provides feedback for admission of diverse, well-qualified students to the school.
• As a member of the senior leadership team, works closely with all members of the team to discuss all school issues, plan the school year calendar, and provide feedback on routine school matters.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned (this may include weekends and evenings).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Eight to ten years’ experience (teaching and/or administrative) in a lower/elementary school.
• Experience in an independent school is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum and program design, and faculty supervision and evaluation preferred.
• Excellent leadership abilities, professional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Capacity to connect and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, administration, parents, alumni, and guests.
• Represent the school in the larger community in a positive manner that reflects the values of the school.

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references to Karen Moschetto, Head of School, at kmoschetto@fredericksburgacademy.org.

Additional Salary Information: Full time position benefits include 75% medical coverage for individuals with additional support for family plans. Dental, vision, and other insurance options available. TIAA retirement contribution, tuition remission, before and after school care, and 125 Plan are also available.

Founded in 1992, Fredericksburg Academy is located halfway between Washington D.C. and Richmond. Fredericksburg Academy provides a strong liberal arts education within a safe, nurturing environment, offering students a breadth of challenging academic experiences that prepare them for the country’s best colleges and universities and life. Fredericksburg Academy values small classes and personal attention to each student’s needs FA is a co-ed, day school enrolling 465 students in PK-12th grade.

Fredericksburg, Virginia is a place where the hallowed and historic converges with the contemporary comforts of a thriving community. Explore Fredericksburg’s rich past at sites like the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and wander through historic downtown with its colonial architecture and landmarks.

Fredericksburg offers easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a small-town feel. Downtown Fredericksburg is home to unique boutiques, antique shops, and a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to award-winning restaurants.  Enjoy art galleries, theaters, and community events, including First Fridays, which showcase local artists and musicians. The Rappahannock River offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and riverside hiking, with plenty of parks for picnicking and relaxation.