Principal

Meet First Baptist Church School

First Baptist Christian School (FBCS) is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana, serving students from PK3 through 12th grade. With an enrollment of approximately 300 students and full Cognia accreditation, FBCS exists to provide Christ-centered education that nurtures spiritual growth, academic excellence, and character development.

SBC

Student ATTENDANCE: 296

About the Principal

FBCS is seeking a Principal to provide steady spiritual, academic, and administrative leadership for a growing Christian school. The Principal will ensure the seamless opening and daily operation of the school year while upholding the school’s Christ-centered mission. The Principal will serve as the visionary for First Baptist Christian School as it continues to grow and expand in new ways through intentional strategy, long-term planning and the execution. This role focuses on stability, continuity, and support—sustaining established programs and practices while at the same time casting a clear vision for students, parents and faculty of a season on continuous growth in all areas of academics, arts and athletics.

The Principal’s responsibilities include:

Spiritual Leadership

• Model a vibrant walk with Christ and maintain alignment with the mission of First Baptist Church.
• Foster a Christ-centered environment where students and staff grow in faith and character.
• Oversee chapel services and ensure biblical integration continues throughout school life.
• Provide encouragement, prayer, and care to staff, students, and families.

Academic Leadership

• Ensure continuity of instruction and uphold academic excellence across all grade levels.
• Maintain compliance with Cognia accreditation standards and state educational requirements.
• Support and guide teachers with encouragement, feedback, and professional accountability.
• Safeguard the quality of curriculum delivery without implementing new initiatives.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily school operations, including attendance, student records, enrollment, and transfers.
• Manage the existing school budget and ensure financial accountability.
• Address parent concerns with wisdom, grace, and responsiveness.
• Serve as the liaison between FBCS staff, families, and church leadership.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Principal:

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field is required.
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience and 3 years in school leadership.
• Strong understanding of Christian education philosophy and practice.
• Certification from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) or
• equivalent.
• Experience with accreditation processes.
• Previous experience in a Christian school setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in educational technology.
• A committed follower of Jesus Christ with an active and growing personal relationship with Him.
• Strong alignment with the mission, doctrine, and leadership of First Baptist Church of Lafayette.
• Demonstrated character qualities of integrity, humility, kindness, and professionalism.

What it’s like to live in Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, Louisiana, often called the heart of Acadiana, offers a truly unique and enriching environment that makes it an exceptional choice for families. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole heritage, providing children with an opportunity to grow up immersed in history, music, and incredible food. Family life here is characterized by a strong sense of community, where neighbors look out for one another and local festivals, like the world-famous Festival International de Louisiane, become shared, memorable experiences. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, making it easier for families to manage their finances while still enjoying a high quality of life. This blend of cultural richness, strong community ties, and affordability creates a welcoming and stable foundation for raising children.

Beyond the culture, Lafayette provides practical advantages that appeal directly to families. The city is home to a robust and continually expanding educational infrastructure, anchored by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette), which brings intellectual and athletic energy to the region. Furthermore, Lafayette has a manageable size and traffic flow compared to major metropolitan areas, leading to shorter commutes and more quality time spent together. The local park system, including the expansive Acadiana Park, offers numerous recreational activities, sports leagues, and nature trails, ensuring that there are always accessible and safe opportunities for children to play and stay active outdoors.

Finally, a key draw for families is the unmatched quality of life driven by the region’s commitment to leisure and culinary excellence. Lafayette is consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the nation, a testament to the friendly, easy-going nature of its residents. Weekends are easily filled with activities like fishing and boating in the Atchafalaya Basin, exploring the historic Vermilionville living history museum, or simply enjoying a world-class plate of crawfish étouffée or jambalaya at a local eatery. This combination of excellent living, manageable city logistics, and a cheerful, active culture ensures that families in Lafayette not only survive but truly thrive, building a lifetime of cherished memories in a place unlike any other.