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.