RMCA is a classically inspired preschool through 8th grade private Christian school in Niwot, Colorado where education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. Our mission is to equip and inspire students and families for the lifelong and passionate pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty and to impact their world for Christ. Through our application of Christian education philosophy and principles, we offer families in the greater Denver area a community for them to mature and grow together.

 

RMCA was founded in 1998 as a classical Christian school and joined Ambleside Schools International (ASI) in 2014. RMCA is a member of Ambleside Schools International (ASI), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is accredited through Accreditation International (AI).

 

RMCA’s association with Ambleside Schools International (ASI) provides a comprehensive and distinctly Christian approach that engages each child via a whole-person education. ASI recognizes the importance of virtue and habit development alongside academic growth fueled by living ideas. In addition, ASI equips teachers to learn and teach together within a unified learning community. Alongside ASI, RMCA provides many opportunities for parents and families to grow together in their enjoyment of lifelong learning.

 

Our Next Head of School

Our next Head of School (HoS) will have a passion for Christian education and be a vibrant and inspiring leader. They will be of high integrity and Christian character, helping to provide model behavior for students, staff, and parents. While there are certainly administrative responsibilities, the primary responsibilities of the HoS are to ensure:

• A life-giving atmosphere for students and staff,
• The consistent use and application of ASI curriculum,
• Support and training of staff,
• Optimal parent, staff, and student relations,
• Implementation of Board policies and budgetary guidelines, and
• Growth in enrollment and services provided to students.

While experience with Ambleside curriculum is preferred, it is not a requirement. The next HoS must be a lifelong learner who is open to growing and learning the ASI curriculum.

 

Life Giving Atmosphere

• Fosters a “high joy” school atmosphere through consistent, proactive, positive emotional-relational engagement with students, staff, and parents.
• Be a visible, inspirational presence by engaging in activities such as greeting at arrival and departure, sharing lunch with students, and proactively engaging during times of community fellowship.
• Maintains a high standard of beauty and order for the physical building, student conduct, student dress, school activities, and programs.
• Builds an alliance for growth with those students who struggle in their relationships and approach to work.
• Promotes harmonious and constructive relationships among all personnel, supports staff morale, and identifies personnel problems and weaknesses as early as possible and works to remediate them.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

• Works with ASI and our Director of Ambleside Elementary Instruction to ensure that teachers are “on method” by following the standards of the ASI curriculum and the guidelines of ASI’s “Approach to Work”.
• Ensures teachers have clear growth objectives for their students and have means to measure and document progress.
• Assists teachers in developing and implementing strategies for remediating student weakness.
• Reviews student exams and Reports of Growth.
• Maintains clear procedures for documenting academic progress (i.e. weekly math and spelling assessments, regular written narrations and copybook work).
• Works maintain a high standard for programs and activities.

Staff Support and Training

• Conducts teachers’ in-services and weekly staff meetings, and gives adequate time to:
  • Cultivate the staff’s emotional-relational and spiritual maturity.
  • Master the Ambleside/Charlotte Mason philosophy of education.
  • Equip staff with professional skills.
• Observes classroom instruction and provides teachers and staff with regular, individual feedback on both strengths and weaknesses.
• Conducts an annual written professional review for each staff member.
• Supports staff in working with challenging parents and students.

Optimal Relations

• Participates in bimonthly principals’ calls with ASI and familiarizes oneself with ASI’s Educator’s Support Site and the Principal’s Manual.
• Develops positive relations with parents in a proactive manner.
• Is available to meet with parents to address their concerns professionally, patiently, and adeptly.
• Respectfully and productively works with parents, staff, and board members of various denominational and political views.
• Ensures good communication with parents regarding academic and behavior expectations at Ambleside, specific growth areas for the student, and regular school activities and events.
• Implements a plan for continual parent education (campus meetings, study groups, written communication, etc.)

School Board

• Acts as an inspiration and encouragement to other Board members through Head of School’s Report and working as a corporate body for the good of the school.
• Ensures that all Board policies are followed.
• Ensures that all expenditures are within budgetary guidelines established by the Board.
• Serves on Board committees as needed.
• Keeps the Board fully informed by providing a report on the school’s status at each monthly Board meeting.
• Maintains weekly contact with the Board Chairman.
• Serve as chief communicator between the Board and the faculty and staff (including school administrator and accountant).
• Works in accord with Board Treasurer to develop annual budget.

Administration

• Provides leadership to the school administrator and other office staff, ensuring that all school operations are gracious, efficient, and effectively conducted.
• Ensures the school complies with state laws (student immunizations, employment regulations, campus safety, etc.)
• Hires and terminates staff as needed to fulfill the school’s mission.
• Ensures adequate record keeping.
• Upholds policies and procedures as described in the Teacher Handbook.
• Oversees spending to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines.
• Supports the ongoing work of ASI by hosting training events.

School Growth

• Plans and conducts Open Houses and introduces Ambleside to prospective families.
• Meets with prospective parents to discuss Ambleside’s philosophy and the Ambleside Commitment.
• Conducts New Parent Orientation at the beginning of each academic year.
• Encourages meaningful alumni, parent, and volunteer participation.
• Maintains programs that contribute to relations with the local community.
• Works with the Board to develop and implement a plan for continued school improvement and growth.
• Provides creative and visionary leadership for the long-term future of RMCA.

Thank you for your time. We look forward to discussing this job opportunity with you!