Head of School Search

St. James Day School has officially initiated the search for a new Head of School for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The school community is seeking a passionate and innovative leader who will not only exude positivity and enthusiasm in all aspects of their role but will also inspire and engage both students and staff alike.

MISSION

The mission of St. James Day School is to educate students in a safe and nurturing Christian environment that instills high intellect, character, and compassion,
while challenging them
academically, physically, and spiritually
to achieve their highest potential
as confident individuals and future leaders.

MOTTO

NISI DOMINUS
“Unless the Lord builds the house, their labor is in vain that build it.”
Our motto, Nisi Dominus, is the very foundation on which St. James Day School stands. We firmly believe that whatever academic excellence we offer is of no value unless sustained and directed by our Christian faith. We welcome and embrace children of all faiths and denominations, striving to foster global understanding and acceptance of all people. St. James attempts to provide this direction through daily devotions and Christian education. An All-School chapel service is conducted by the Rector or the Rector’s appointed personnel from St. James Episcopal Church once each week and follows the Order of Morning Prayer throughout the Liturgical year.

 

THE SCHOOL

Since its establishment in 1948, St. James Day School, an independent educational institution proudly affiliated with Saint James Episcopal Church, has stood resiliently as a pillar of academic excellence and community service in the Texarkana community. Situated on the state line between two border states, students ranging from ages three years through eighth grade come together from both Texas and Arkansas to receive a quality education that is centered around strong academics and the overall development of each child. St. James Day School provides a safe and supportive environment for experimentation and open discussion, encouraging children to become independent thinkers and develop strong problem solving skills. For more than 76 remarkable years, St. James has been consistently recognized as a distinguished academic leader in the Texarkana area, where students benefit from innovative teaching methods, comprehensive fine arts programs, and a warm, inviting Christian environment that actively promotes personal growth and character development. The school focuses on helping each student identify their unique talents and areas of interest while skillfully teaching them how to build on those gifts for a lifetime of meaningful accomplishment, both academically and personally. The school has built a solid reputation within the community for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and strong Christian character development, and it is widely recognized for producing responsible leaders both within this community and in communities abroad.

LOCATION

St. James is situated on a beautiful wooded campus that offers a loving, nurturing, and secure environment for all students. Children are safe and can freely move from building to building, as well as play outside on our thirty-five-acre campus located in Texarkana, Texas. The area is well-known for its abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for avid outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, a variety of surrounding community amenities such as athletics, orchestras, museums, national forests, and diverse natural landscapes contribute to a wealth of engaging family activities. Alongside the immediate conveniences that the city offers, Texarkana sits in a centrally located position, making it a quick drive away from the vibrant cities of both Dallas and Little Rock where even more entertainment can be found.

FACTS

Founding Date: 1948

Location: Texarkana, Texas

Religious Affiliation: Episcopal

Grades: 3 years - 8th grade

Enrollment: 150

Accreditation: SAES, the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools

Tuition (24/25): $3,850 - $7,350

Ratio: 1:12 and 1:15 in preschool, 1:18 in kindergarten through 8th grade

Faculty and Staff: 26

 

DESIRED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills

  • Past classroom and administrative experience

  • Ability to develop a long-term vision for SJDS and gather support for that vision

  • Strong communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to handle conflict quickly and decisively

  • Ability to administer discipline in a consistent and fair manner

  • Eager to pursue innovative and out-of-the-box ideas while remaining mindful of the established traditions and culture of SJDS

  • Fundraising and budgeting skills

  • Openness and transparency about school issues

  • Experience in implementing curriculum standards

  • Maintain high academic expectations of students

  • Active community engagement

  • Supportive of faculty and staff

  • Ability to delegate

  • Ability to assume responsibility for decisions

  • Excellent problem-solving skills

  • Work experience in a private school setting

  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

 

DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

  • A genuine love for children

  • A person of faith committed to upholding the Episcopal identity of SJDS

  • Respect among peers

  • Approachable, personable, and trustworthy

  • Patient and compassionate

  • Resilient

  • Operates with honesty and integrity

  • Inspiring to the SJDS community  

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL

  • Growing enrollment with possible school choice vouchers

  • Adapting to modern values while strengthening the school’s Episcopal identity

  • Implementing a student code of conduct and disciplinary measures that will be followed

  • Rekindling school prestige

  • Provide better communication to parents 

  • A potential capital fundraising campaign

  • Develop competitive athletic programs

  • Provide more non-athletic experiences for middle school students 

  • Increase academic rigor of the curriculum

  • Increase visibility and school programs to the area community and through social media

  • Opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders 

  • Partnerships with local public schools 

 

CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL

  • Growing school enrollment amid tough economic conditions

  • Keeping tuition affordable

  • Recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty

  • Campus safety and security

  • Funding and budgetary issues

  • Building maintenance issues

  • Maintaining a strong program without compromising Christian values

  • Middle school enrollment

  • Maintaining high academic standards among a growing population of diverse learners

  • Competitiveness with local public and private schools and preschools

  • Possible resistance to change from parents and faculty

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants for the Head of School position should submit a cover letter explaining interest and qualifications, a statement of educational philosophy, a current resume, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of four references.

Application WINDOW:

November 22 - December 20, 2024

Email all InformatiOn to HOSsearch@stjamesdayschool.org.