HEAD OF SCHOOL Davidson Academy

Transcription

1 HEAD OF SCHOOL Davidson Academy Nashville, TN Founded in 1980 as Madison Christian School, Davidson Academy has grown over the past three and a half decades to serve more than 730 students in grades PK-12. Guided by its commitment to providing a Christ-centered education for students throughout the Nashville area, the interdenominational school s mission and purpose are best captured in its motto: preparing students for college, life, and eternity. Rich in tradition and secure in its faith, Davidson Academy is the preeminent interdenominational Christian school in the Nashville area. Davidson strives to create responsible, self-reliant, and self-motivated learners who will embrace a life of learning and treat all people with courtesy, fairness, dignity, and respect. Davidson is committed to providing all students a variety of opportunities to discover and develop their individual talents and gifts. The school s varied and rigorous curriculum is rooted in its call to cultivate students who excel not only academically, athletically, and artistically, but also spiritually and morally. For a position to begin July 1, 2018, Davidson Academy seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who embraces the school s mission, beliefs, and traditions. The headship of Davidson Academy is an exciting opportunity for a talented and dedicated Christian leader, eager to help lead a growing school into its next chapter. APPLICATION DEADLINE: ASAP

2 DAVIDSON AT A GLANCE Mission Davidson Academy is dedicated to preparing students for college, life, and eternity. Beliefs and Philosophy Davidson Academy endeavors to assure that students are: Grounded in God's Word as the source of truth; inspired to grow in spiritual wisdom; guided by personnel committed to excellence; trained in the fundamental and college-preparatory academic skills; encouraged to accomplish goals and be recognized for achievement; and provided opportunities for physical and social development through programs and services. Statements of Faith We believe God has revealed Himself, His purposes, and His ways in the Bible, which is therefore absolute in its truth and authority over daily living. We believe God is one, absolute in power and authority over all people. He has revealed Himself as Heavenly Father and is the first person of the Trinity. We believe Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, the physical embodiment of God; He is fully God and fully man, a mystery that calls us to worship. We believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is the invisible and contemporary presence of God. We believe all human kind are separated from God by sin and are in need of a Savior. We believe salvation comes only through belief (faith) in Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His sacrificial death upon the cross and His resurrection from the dead. We believe Christians should live their lives in community, as members of a body of believers, and in subjection to the will of God, holding one another accountable for their decisions and choices and offering encouragement and prayer support in all things. ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID ENROLLMENT, ALL GRADES 731 LOWER SCHOOL (PK-6) 350 UPPER SCHOOL (7-12) 381 STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO 10 to 1 TUITION AND FEES $10,975-$13,325 FACULTY AND STAFF TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 189 FULL-TIME FACULTY 79 FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES 56% AVERAGE FACULTY TENURE 13 years FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT $9.1 million OPERATING BUDGET INDEBTEDNESS $3.8 million ENDOWMENT $150,000 TOTAL FUNDS RAISED LAST YEAR $600K ($340K from estate gift) AFFILIATIONS ACCREDITATION AdvancED, Tennessee Department of Education MEMBER Independent Schools of the Nashville Area, Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association ON THE WEB: 2

3 DEFINING STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES Founded in 1980 as Madison Christian School, Davidson Academy is a community united in its commitment to leading a Christ-centered life and pursuing academic and spiritual excellence. The school s robust and involved parent-base is dedicated to ensuring that the school continues to serve its students and fulfill its mission. THE STUDENT BODY Davidson students are respectful, bright, and service-minded. They come to Davidson from more than 40 ZIP Codes in the greater Nashville area, and a number of international students join the community in eighth grade. Davidson s students come from a variety of Christian denominations, including Baptists, Methodists, and members of the Church of Christ. Now in its second year, Davidson s Variable Tuition Program continues the school s founding commitment to providing financial aid to students from a range of economic and academic backgrounds in order to make Christian education accessible to as many qualified and mission-appropriate students as possible. Davidson prides itself on its rigorous and balanced academic program. In 2016, students averaged a 25 on the ACT, and 11 seniors were named AP Scholars. In 13 of the past 16 years, Davidson students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program. The 53-member Class of 2016 received a total of $7.5 million in financial aid offers from 33 colleges and universities. Over the past several years, Davidson students have received offers of admission to competitive schools, including Northwestern, Carnegie-Mellon, MIT, Boston University, Ohio State, and Morehouse. From 2012 to 2017, Davidson alumni have enrolled at the following colleges and universities: Austin Peay State University Ball State University Baylor University Belmont University Bradley University Binghamton University - SUNY Butler University Charleston Southern Coastal Carolina University DePauw University East Tennessee State University Embry Riddle Aeronautical Univ. Emory University Florida Institute of Technology The George Washington Univ. Hanover College Indiana University Bloomington Lee University Lindsey Wilson College Lipscomb University Maryville College Messiah College Middle Tennessee State Univ. Morehead State University Murray State University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Olivet Nazarene University Penn State University Rhodes College Samford University Sewanee: The Univ. of the South Southern Adventist University Southern Illinois State Univ. Southern Methodist University Tennessee Technological Univ. Trevecca Nazarene University Tulane University Union University Univ. of Advancing Technology The University of Alabama The Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham The Univ. of Ala. in Huntsville University at Buffalo - SUNY University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine Univ. of Ill. at Urbana-Champagne University of Kentucky University of Memphis University of Mississippi University of North Alabama Univ. of N. Carolina at Ashville University of Pittsburgh Univ. of Tennessee, Chattanooga Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville Univ. of Tennessee, Martin University of Miami University of Utah Vanderbilt University Volunteer State Community Col. Welch College Western Kentucky University 3

4 THE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES Davidson s talented and devoted faculty deftly guide their students through the school s comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and are widely viewed as the warm, nurturing core of Davidson s tight-knit community. The faculty comprises a well-regarded group of professionals with deep roots in the Davidson community and an enduring commitment to leading a life in service of Christ. Several faculty are Davidson alumni, and 56 percent of faculty have earned at least one advanced degree. Davidson s professional development program provides annual opportunities and funding for faculty to attend conferences and participate in other activities to help them hone their craft. The average tenure of a teacher at Davidson is 13 years, and faculty range from experienced master teachers to instructors just launching their careers. Faculty members form a devoted team, and many lead Bible studies and sponsor clubs, events, and student organizations. In addition to the Business Manager, Lower School Head, and Upper School Head, Davidson s administrative team includes an Academic Dean, a Dean of Students, and a Dean of Spiritual Life. The Head of School reports to the Board of Trustees, a dedicated group of 11. Trustees are appointed to three-year terms and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected to one-year terms and cannot hold the position for more than three consecutive years. The bylaws provide for several standing committees, including the two that are currently the largest and most active: Education and Finance. FACILITIES & LOCATION Home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville is perhaps best known as the epicenter of the Country and Christian music industries, but it is also a diverse, vibrant city with much to offer in the way of politics, culture, and economic growth. The city is home to two professional sports franchises and several major universities, including Vanderbilt, Belmont, and Fisk. The thriving arts community, booming restaurant scene, and historic setting make Nashville a city with many opportunities for exploration and entertainment. Nashville s 1.8 million-resident metropolitan area, has become a destination across the country and the world for those seeking a community with a relatively low cost of living, a thriving economy, and a warm and embracing culture that balances tradition with innovation. Davidson Academy sits on a pastoral, 68-acre campus which is certified by the Tennessee Wildlife Foundation as a Wildlife Habitat. The Lower School grounds also feature an arboretum planted by the Lower School Garden Club that features 41 species of flora native to Tennessee. The arboretum has been certified by the Nashville Tree Foundation and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. The Ralls Athletic Complex includes the Leonard Arnold Football Stadium, Sam Young Baseball Field and Davidson Indoor Training Facility, Stacy Swinea Softball Field, and Tyler Beasley Memorial Soccer Field. Davidson also owns 73 acres of land in Hendersonville, a flourishing suburb northeast of Nashville. The next Head of School will work with the Board and the school community to determine how best to use this property to serve the school and its mission. 4

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Davidson s devoted faculty, staff, and administrators have successfully created an environment that encourages a strong work ethic, academic excellence, and the development of moral character. The core curriculum encompasses writing, STEM courses, the Bible, the arts, and wellness. From grades PK-12, Davidson seeks to empower students to thrive in a world of continual change and increasing complexity. LOWER SCHOOL Davidson s Lower School serves grades PK-6, offering a well-balanced educational program that is both challenging and age appropriate. In the youngest grades, students focus on developing social skills, language and literacy acquisition, and understanding the Bible. Children are exposed to math and science concepts and develop critical thinking and habits of mind. Starting in kindergarten, students receive instruction in math, science, language arts, visual arts, technology, and introductory Spanish. UPPER SCHOOL Serving grades 7-12, the Upper School program is designed around a nurturing and rigorous curriculum that includes Advanced Placement and Honors courses. Students are placed in advisory groups and also benefit from small group Bible study, separated by grade-level and gender. There are currently 11 AP offerings, including English Language and Literature, AB Calculus, U.S. History, Comparative Government and Politics, Physics 1 and 2, World History, and Human Geography. More than half of juniors and seniors are enrolled in at least one AP course. Davidson also offers three dual enrollment courses with Trevecca University. Foreign language offerings in the Upper School begin in eighth grade, where students choose between Spanish and Latin. Upper School students have the opportunity to take part in travel enrichment opportunities with annual gradelevel trips to Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Recurring mission trips abroad to Haiti and Central America are also offered. All seniors are required to complete a research project of their own design that includes substantial writing and a multimedia presentation. The Upper School co-curricular program has a particular emphasis on leadership and spirituality. The school fields strong Mock Trial and Model U.N. teams and participates in the Youth in Government program. Service organizations include Key Club, FCA, Generation Joshua, Davidson Academy Ambassadors, and Peer Mentoring. There are also ample opportunities to join special interest groups and to pursue the fine and performing arts. For more detailed information about the school s academic program, students support services, and extracurricular offerings, visit: 5

6 SPIRITUAL LIFE Davidson Academy is committed to offering a strong, Christian foundation to an interdenominational student population. Both through its formal curriculum and informal interactions between students and teachers, Davidson seeks to create people for Christ, in the world but not of the world. Students study Christianity in dedicated Bible classes, and scripture is also integrated into the coursework of other subjects. The Lower School Spanish curriculum includes Spanish language praise songs and Bible verses, and the character education and counseling program instills Christian values and character traits. Students participate in daily devotions and attend chapel weekly, where the popular Praise Band leads worship through song. All of Davidson s faculty are professing and practicing Christians and active members of a church. ATHLETICS Davidson s athletic program is a source of understandable pride for the community. Varsity teams have won 17 state championships in four sports. Davidson alums go on to play baseball, softball, football, basketball, crosscountry, and track and field at the college level. Interscholastic sports begin in fifth grade, where students can choose from football, basketball, cheer, volleyball, softball, golf, soccer, and cross country. The Upper School fields 15 teams in the middle grades and 20 at the varsity level. Physical Education begins in pre-kindergarten with the development of fine and gross motor skills. In first through third grades, the program introduces students to game strategies, team building, and fair play, along with learning about muscular and skeletal anatomy. In fourth through sixth grade, the curriculum uses team games and sports to develop physical and social skills. For complete details of the athletic program, visit the school s dedicated website: ARTS Davidson offers a full suite of artist opportunities for its students. Students in all grades can participate in drama, chorus, band, and visual art and design. The supplemental Academy Arts Program offers voice and piano lessons as well as dance classes. The Upper School publishes a student literary journal, and students have the opportunity to join the Praise Band. Upper School students also perform in a fall play, spring musical, an evening of one-act plays, and produce a children s show that travels to other schools and children s hospitals. 6

7 OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL The next Head of Davidson Academy will join a school community with a proud history, a dedicated faculty and staff, and supportive families. With these important building blocks solidly in place, the school s leadership is now focused on the challenges of ensuring the school s long-term financial stability and guiding its growth over the coming years. Davidson offers a compelling opportunity for a talented and ambitious school leader ready to embrace the school s faith-based mission. The new Head will find a school family deeply committed to Davidson s values and vision. The list of challenges and opportunities facing the school s next leader will include: BUDGET AND FINANCES Given that the Davidson community is loyal and serviceminded and has had some fundraising success in the past, many see an opportunity to establish a broad culture of giving in the school. The school recently hired a Director of Marketing and Advancement, and the next Head will have the opportunity to work with him and the Board to plan and execute a fundraising strategy centered on increasing annual giving and cultivating donors in and around Nashville who will provide material support for the school and its mission. With an endowment of $150,000, a $9.1 million operating budget, and $3.8 million in debt, the next Head will need to collaborate with the trustees, the advancement team, the admissions office, and the CFO to ensure that the school s finances are closely managed and that Davidson is well positioned for long-term success as an institution. STUDENT SUPPORT As Davidson has evolved over the years, it has enrolled a more academically diverse student body, and the community has become increasingly sensitive to the needs of students with learning differences. The school is beginning to feel the need for a more systematic approach to identification, intervention, and support when it comes to students with learning differences. With a focus on the school s mission as a college preparatory school, the next Head will need to collaborate with the faculty and the admissions office to align and balance Davidson s resources and overall enrollment profile so that every student reaches his/her full potential at graduation. ADMINISTRATION Davidson is a relatively young school, and its flexible, informal approach to many school issues has served the community well for many years. As the school continues to grow and mature, the incoming Head will need to examine the current policies, staff responsibilities, and administrative structures to help the institution develop systems, strategies, and procedures that befit a school of Davidson s current size and vision. Faculty evaluation and development, disciplinary guidelines, and formal job descriptions have all been suggested as potential growth areas for the community. 7

8 FACILITIES Davidson s campus is well-loved by its community. The school s athletic facilities are a strength, and the sprawling campus is a fantastic resource for outdoor education. In the coming years, however, the school will need to upgrade and expand its facilities to match the ambition of its academic aims. Science labs and classroom technology need to be refreshed, and the school lacks a dedicated performing arts space. With the school s growth, classroom space is at a premium, and currently the cafeteria is used for study halls in the Upper School. The Board and school community have not yet decided how, when or whether to develop Davidson s 73-acre plot of land in nearby Hendersonville, and the asset presents a unique set of strategic, financial, and operational opportunities and challenges for the school s next Head. To achieve these dreams, the school is likely to launch a major capital campaign in the next three years. WHO SHOULD APPLY: IMPORTANT QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS The Headship of Davidson Academy is a unique career opportunity for a dynamic, devoted, and experienced educational leader who is called to serve Christ through the education of young people and the building of a school community. The ideal candidate will offer most or all of the following attributes: PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS A willingness and ability to play an important role in fundraising and community outreach. An advanced degree and strong academic credentials. A record of success in teaching and administration of independent schools. A well-developed understanding of business and finance. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to inspire, support, and strengthen a talented faculty, staff, and administration. A genuine interest in students and pedagogy across the PK 12 spectrum. LEADERSHIP STYLE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES A confident and abiding profession of faith and Christian Practice. A passionate, hands-on, and charismatic leader who is eager to be involved in the day-to-day life of the school. A strategically minded, big-picture thinker able to work within the school s core beliefs. A highly relational leader. A personable, engaging presence with a warm, relatable leadership style. A servant leader who acts with humility and places a biblical worldview at the center of decision-making. A highly professional leader who sets high standards and holds people accountable. 8

9 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SEARCH PROCESS Acting on behalf of Davidson Academy, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting talented academic leaders for this unique leadership opportunity. This is an expedited Search. Prospective candidates are urged to contact the lead consultants, Sue Walters and Jim Wickenden without delay to discuss the opportunity and the prcess in more detail. Both may be reached at (609) Candidates should submit the following as soon as possible: A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. A current résumé. A statement of educational philosophy. A Statement of Faith The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.) Optional: Other supporting material (e.g. articles, speeches, or letters of recommendation) that would be useful to the Search Committee. These materials should be transmitted via attachment to searches@wickenden.com. The review of candidate materials will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis at the discretion of the Search Committee. Ideally, the successful candidate will join Davidson before the start of the school year. Wickenden Associates will work with Davidson to keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey Tel: (609) Fax: (609) searches@wickenden.com