Head of School Sola Academy

Sola Academy by Fusion is a private therapeutic day school serving students in grades 6–12 (ages 11–18) with a range of learning differences. We bring together expert educators, individualized academic programming, and integrated social-emotional and therapeutic supports so that every student can thrive. Sola is approved to serve students with Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Other Health Impairment (OHI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Emotional Disability (ED), Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, and Speech or Language Impairment, with Mild Intellectual Disability forthcoming. Our students are funded primarily through partnerships with their home school districts.

The Head of School is the most senior on-site leader at Sola Academy and is accountable for everything that happens inside the school — academic outcomes, student wellbeing, faculty and staff culture, family experience, district partnerships, regulatory compliance, and financial health. Reporting to Fusion executive leadership, the Head of School sets the vision and tone for the campus and leads the school leadership team, including the Director of Education and the Director of Student Life. This is a builder role for a seasoned school leader who has run a school (or a meaningful part of one), and who thrives at the intersection of mission and operations, and is energized by working with families and districts to change the trajectory of students with learning differences.

What You’ll Do

• Build and lead your campus team with vision, accountability, and a culture rooted in compassion and excellence.
• Inspire and develop staff through clear expectations, coaching, and professional growth. 
• Drive enrollment through strong partnerships with school districts, professionals, and community outreach.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and campus safety expectations are consistently met.
• Oversee financial health by managing budgets, enrollment targets, and operational performance.
• Deliver high-quality academic and therapeutic programming that supports measurable student progress and family confidence.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and district partners to create a supportive and trusted school community. 
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degrees required
• Meet the requirements of 23 Ill. Adm. Code 226.800(g) (the Director of Special Education qualifications under ISBE's special education personnel rules), OR hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following endorsements:
• General Administrative endorsement
• Principal endorsement, or
• Director of Special Education endorsement
• 3–5 years of successful school leadership experience, ideally in a special education or therapeutic setting.
• Experience managing budgets, P&L, and performance metrics. 
• Proven ability to lead teams, build culture, and develop high-performing staff.
• Experience with enrollment growth, admissions, outreach, or partnership development.
• Knowledge of special education programming, IEP compliance, and working with diverse learners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills. 
• Ability to balance mission-driven work with operational and financial accountability.
• Florida residents require level 2 background screening through https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.
• Hiring for multiple locations around the Chicagoland area!
  
  

Why Sola Academy by Fusion? 

At Sola Academy, we combine the proven strengths of Fusion’s individualized learning model with integrated therapeutic supports to meet the unique needs of every student. Our campuses are purpose-built communities where students feel understood, supported, and challenged to grow.

As Head of School, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a mission-driven program that partners with families and districts to create meaningful, lasting change in students’ lives—while building and shaping a high-impact school community from the inside out. You can learn more about us HERE.

Benefits

We offer a package for full-time employees which generally includes: 

• Medical, dental, and vision plans 
• Vacation time (for certain positions) in accordance with company policy and state law 
• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability 
  
  

In addition to the above items, full-time and part-time employees can generally participate in the following benefits:

• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy 
• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility
• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits 
• Employee assistance program 
  
  

In addition to base salary, Fusion Heads of School are eligible for performance bonuses tied to KPI achievement.

Work Authorization

Employment is contingent upon authorization to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.  Qualified applicants who have access to or contact with students or the public, who are responsible for the safeguarding of others’ well-being, and who work with little supervision in close proximity to others will be required to complete a criminal history check once a contingent offer of employment is made. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with local law. The nature and gravity of an offense, the length of time since the conviction, and the nature of the job in question are all considered, and criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify employment. Any discussion of criminal history will occur only after the background check is completed and a copy is provided to the applicant. 

Pay Range

USD $110,000.00 - USD $135,000.00 /Yr.