A Thriving Christian School in an Idyllic Setting
Located in the scenic and thriving Lake Norman, North Carolina area, just 20 miles from Charlotte, SouthLake Christian Academy is one of the country’s foremost Christian schools. Having experienced considerable growth in its enrollment and programs for the past six years, SLCA is ready to welcome its next Head of School, who will guide this thriving school with vision, diplomacy, transparency, and an abiding dedication to the school’s Christian mission. The position begins July 1, 2025.
The area around SouthLake Christian is dominated by Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in the state, which provides unparalleled opportunities for recreation – boating, hiking, swimming, and fishing. In the words of one SouthLake student, “we are always out on the lake.” The area’s attractions include fine dining establishments, shopping, and the bustling metropolis of Charlotte. To learn more about the Lake Norman area, click .
The Mission of SouthLake Christian Academy
SouthLake Christian Academy exists for the sake of God's glory and mission, proclaiming the gospel and discipling the whole person in all aspects of God's reality.
Celebrating 30 years of growth and success
SouthLake Christian Academy was founded in 1994 as a ministry of SouthLake Presbyterian (PCA) Church. The school started with just 23 students in grades K-3, and now enrolls 650 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade.
SLCA’s 30-acre campus and facilities have expanded over the years to accommodate the growth of its community. The well-maintained facilities include three academic buildings, a gymnasium, a field house (with weightlifting, classroom and training rooms), a baseball complex, a cross country course, and a turf athletic field for soccer, lacrosse and football. A new arts building is expected to be completed in 2025 and an additional turf field and track is currently in the design phase.
The Academy has recovered impressively following an embezzlement fraud discovered ten years ago. While deeply painful for the school and church, SLCA responded admirably by instituting stronger financial controls and spearheading impressive growth in both its enrollment and facilities. The past decade of success at the Academy provides strong evidence of its resilience and the loyalty of its community.
Skills and Attributes of the Next Head of School
SouthLake Christian Academy seeks a visionary leader and passionate educator to step into the challenging role of Head of School. The school takes great pride in nurturing a vision in which Christ is preeminent in all things. An individual who brings a deep commitment to Christian education, energy, integrity, intellect, and a visionary spirit will thrive and experience success in the SouthLake Christian Academy community.
The ideal candidates will possess many of the following skills and attributes:
- A demonstrated commitment to Christian education and a strong faith background.
- A confident leadership style that includes delegating responsibility, empowering and inspiring others, working in partnership, and holding people accountable in ways that support continued professional and personal growth.
- Proficient understanding of strategic financial sustainability, budget development, fundraising, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and enrollment management.
- Demonstrated success in the classroom and in leadership roles in independent school settings, as well as an ability to recognize and appreciate outstanding classroom instruction.
- The capacity to facilitate inclusive dialogue, make difficult decisions, have courageous conversations, and build trust in the community.
- Thoughtful, respectful words and actions that reflect a depth of self-knowledge, faith, humility, and commitment to the mission of the school.
- A deep love for students, an earnest belief in rigorous and joyful learning, and unbridled enthusiasm for the school’s compelling mission of guiding students to serve God and be their best.
- An inspiring and clear communicator who is highly visible, warm, personable, transparent, and approachable and who listens deeply to all community members while taking the time to understand the culture of SouthLake Christian Academy.
- A visionary builder who can think strategically in partnership with a strong Board. The next Head of School will be an individual who can identify needed change, develop the vision and supporting plan to achieve such change, and effectively lead and capably execute plans to bring initiatives to fruition, while managing community expectations and the impact of change.
- Charismatic and skilled in building relationships within and beyond the SouthLake Christian Academy community, generating excitement about and support for the school’s mission.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the position are asked to submit the following materials by July 31, 2024:
- EC Candidate Summary Sheet and Disclosure Form (contact Tracy Bennett or George Sanderson for these documents)
- Letter of interest addressed to the Search Committee
- Resume
- Statement of educational leadership philosophy
- A list of five or more references with contact information (name, relationship to candidate, phone and email addresses)
Application materials are to be sent electronically via email to:
Tracy Bennett, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Email: tbennett@educatorscollaborative.com
George Sanderson, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Email: gsanderson@educatorscollaborative.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $180,000.00 - $215,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
School type:
Ability to Relocate:
- Huntersville, NC 28078: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person