The Lower School Head is responsible for maintaining congruence between the school’s Board-approved mission statement and academic and affective activities in the Lower School. The Lower School Head is a key administrator who leads the academic life of the Lower School at The Avery Coonley School. The Lower School Head is the instructional leader of the Lower School Division and, as such, is responsible for managing all functions related to curriculum development, academic support, student support, and scheduling in the Lower School.

Responsibilities

Instructional & Program Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a developmentally appropriate, research-informed Lower School program.
• Ensure curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment practices reflect best practices in gifted education, differentiation, enrichment, and acceleration.
• Promote inquiry-based learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Guide faculty in using assessment data and student work to refine instruction and enhance student learning.
• Oversee curriculum articulation and alignment within the Lower School and across divisions.

Gifted Education & Whole-Child Development

• Champion best practices in gifted education.
• Support faculty in addressing the academic and social-emotional needs of advanced learners.
• Partner with learning specialists and counselors to support executive functioning, self-regulation, and student well-being.
• Ensure developmentally responsive practices that support the whole child.

Faculty Leadership & Professional Growth

• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support Lower School faculty and staff.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, professional growth, and reflective practice.
• Provide coaching and feedback to support instructional excellence and innovation.
• Collaborate with school leadership to design meaningful professional learning.

Student Experience & Community Culture

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful school climate rooted in belonging and mutual respect.
• Support student behavior and disciplinary practices aligned with developmental best practices.
• Provide guidance and conflict resolution support for students.
• Partner with counselors and specialists to support student well-being.

Family Partnership & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents through communication, education, and collaboration, and ensure timely resolution of conflicts or challenges.
• Support families in understanding the developmental and social-emotional needs of gifted learners.
• Plan and lead parent education programs and division events.
• Serve as liaison to the Home & School Association for Lower School matters.

Operational & Administrative Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of the Lower School, including scheduling, staffing, substitute coverage, and divisional procedures.
• Develop and manage the Lower School budget in partnership with the Business Office.
• Oversee report cards, academic records, and student progress reporting.
• Coordinate standardized testing and use results to support program improvement.
• Ensure compliance with school policies, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

Enrollment, Retention & Institutional Leadership

• Partner with Admissions and Marketing to support enrollment and retention efforts.
• Engage with prospective families and support student onboarding.
• Serve on the Admissions Committee.
• Collaborate closely with the Middle School Head to ensure a cohesive PK–8 experience.
• Participate in strategic planning, accreditation, and institutional initiatives.
• Represent ACS to prospective families, peer schools, and professional organizations.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Communicate regularly with the Head of School regarding divisional needs and priorities.
• Contribute to school-wide planning, decision-making, and long-range strategy.
• Stay current with research and best practices in education and gifted learning.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in education, educational leadership, or related field.
• Significant teaching and leadership experience at the elementary level.
• Experience supervising faculty and leading program development.
• Experience with gifted and advanced learners strongly preferred.
• Independent school experience preferred.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of child development and gifted education
• Commitment to inclusive practices and fostering belonging
• Strong instructional leadership and coaching skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Systems thinking and organizational leadership
• Ability to build trust and collaborative teams
• Cultural competence and emotional intelligence
• Adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking

About The Avery Coonley School

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago and serving 331 children from 40 communities in Groups (grades) PreK to 8, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) welcomes highly motivated, high-ability learners who eagerly seek new challenges. Gifted and high-achieving students flourish in a unique and collaborative culture where the drive to learn transcends all other differences. Founded in 1906, ACS enjoys a storied place in the history of gifted and progressive education for younger students in Chicago and across the nation. Learning spaces brim with energy, project-based learning, and individual exploration. On the historic 11-acre campus, which is adjacent to a forest preserve, members of the Avery Coonley community thrive in a learning environment that allows for flexibility, creativity, and innovation.

Connections working at The Avery Coonley School