An Exciting Opportunity! LEAD AN INNOVATIVE UPPER AT THE FOOT OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Upper School Principal • , CO Start Date: July 1, 2021 Overview

t the foot of the Rockies, Colorado Academy (CA) is a coeducational, independent in southwest Denver serving nearly 1,000 students from across the Denver metropolitan area. It is the only in the Denver metro area with a Pre- through grade 12 configuration, a key element of the school’s identity and Aethos. Bringing students and families from as many as 73 zip codes across the city together to a single campus, the school teems with excitement, activity, and a love for learning. Rich in both tradition and the spirit of innovation, CA offers a preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, cultural competence, and character development, along with artistic and athletic training that rivals specialty . Colorado Academy is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS). CA is a member in good standing of the National Association for Independent Schools (NAIS) and is a member and co-founding organization of the Association of College Counseling in Independent Schools (ACCIS). Colorado Academy is searching for a Principal to guide the Upper School Division (grades 9-12) beginning July 1, 2021.

2 The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates Mission Statement Creating curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners and leaders. CA Values 1. We foster courage: exploring new challenges in academics, athletics, the arts, and experiential learning. 2. We nurture curiosity: the foundation of lifelong, creative discovery. 3. We choose kindness: engaging graciously in an inclusive, joyful community. 4. We encourage understanding: listening to others and acting ethically, with integrity and respect. 5. We embrace inclusivity: working through education to create empathy and compassion. 6. We promote habits of health, both physically and mentally, strengthening resilience and confidence. 7. We believe in a dynamic response to the needs of an ever-changing world. 8. We inspire thoughtful individuals who are ready to transform the future.

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[email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com 3 The School Founded in 1906, Colorado Academy is known for its focus on the development of the “whole person,” balancing an innovative and rigorous curriculum with a supportive and encouraging school environment. Students are highly motivated and emerge from CA prepared for success in college and beyond. The school community is one that values and honors difference and seeks to be a place where students of all ages and families of all backgrounds are understood, represented, and highly regarded. Students of color make up nearly 26% of the student body. Students, parents, and employees alike appreciate and value CA’s strong community, culture of kindness and empathy, and camaraderie. Through recent strategic plans, the school has successfully implemented many key initiatives, including an emphasis on social and emotional learning and student health, education that provides strong college and work readiness, and the teaching of the “Six Cs of 21st Century Skills,” which include Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Cultural Competence, and Character Development. Throughout the school, there is a commitment to innovative teaching and learning. This has been supported through a generous professional development program. CA is also committed to teaching leadership, service, confidence, and tenacity. The school is known as the birthplace of Outward Bound in the U.S., evidence of which is found in CA’s signature Outdoor Program, its Travel and Exchange program, and annual Interim adventures which provide experiences for students of all ages.

4 The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates The Upper School College Matriculation The following is a selection of the With outstanding teachers and forward-thinking administrators, an enthusiastic and attended by Upper School student body of approximately 400 students, committed and members of the Classes of 2015-19: involved parents, and top-notch facilities, CA has a clear mission and exciting goals for the future. CA opened a new Upper School building in 2013. Nearly American every year since, the school has seen record numbers of applications and Amherst College continues to be fully enrolled in each division. Arizona State University Bates College By incorporating teaching tools such as design thinking, mindfulness training, Boston College performance tasks, independent research and making/building, the school Brown University supports students’ development of skills that will serve them well in our rapidly Colby College changing world. CA has pioneered a pullout REDI (Research, Entrepreneurship, Colorado College Design, Inquiry) Lab to support independent and innovative research projects. Columbia University The school also offers an academic intensive program that allows freshmen to Cornell University study a single topic in depth. Students have numerous experiential education Dartmouth College and global travel opportunities, as well as robust service-learning programs, Davidson College access to nearly 50 student clubs, and athletic teams in 18 competitive sports. Denison University CA students take pride in offering peer leadership, both informally and Duke University with formal training through the Community Leadership Team. Every senior Edinburgh College of Art, Scotland identifies an individual service passion and implements a project which meets a Elon University community need outside the school. More than 90% of CA students exceed the Franklin & Marshall College two-year visual and performing arts requirements, and 100% of Upper School Georgetown University students are accepted at four-year colleges and universities. Students affirm Gonzaga University that there “is no one way to be” at CA, and they relish the range of academic Harvard University and co-curricular offerings that allow them to pursue their interests. High Point University Ithaca College Kenyon College Lehigh University Massachusetts Middlebury College New York University Northeastern University Purdue University Reed College Santa Clara University Sewanee: The University of the South Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Stanford University Tufts University University of California, Berkeley University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Virginia Wake Forest University Wellesley College Wesleyan University Yale University

[email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com 5 The Upper School Faculty and Curriculum A passionate and talented group of approximately 40 Upper School faculty members brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. Students are taught by educators who are experts in their respective fields. Teachers have an average of 17 years of experience in the classroom and nine years at CA; 80% hold advanced degrees. Classes are intentionally small, with an average class size of 15 and a student/teacher ratio of 8:1. The Upper School curriculum, structured on a trimester system, combines a liberal arts and sciences core with active participation in arts and athletics. Qualified students can choose to enroll in Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses and may also pursue independent study. Students design a personalized course of study by selecting from a robust slate of nearly 50 electives to complement their core classes. CA requires two trimesters of Computer Science or Innovations classes to provide practice in critical/ mathematical thinking and creativity. In addition to academic requirements, students must successfully One hundred percent complete an individualized service project as a requirement for graduation. of Colorado Academy Through structured programs and individual integrity, CA seniors serve as positive role models and mentors to younger students. Upper Schoolers graduates are admitted form relationships with teachers that foster intellectual and moral development. As a result, to a four-year college seniors graduate as well-rounded and well-prepared individuals with defined values and purpose. or university. Each year, at the end of 11th grade, Colorado Academy students take The College and Work Readiness Assessment (CWRA). Developed by the Council for Aid to Education, the CWRA is designed to help schools measure students’ ability to think critically, reason analytically, solve problems, and communicate effectively in writing. Colorado Academy is one of only four high schools in the state to offer this assessment. One hundred percent of Colorado Academy graducates are admitted to a four-year college or university. Each year, approximately 13% of students opt to attend college in Colorado. The other 87% spread out across the U.S. and around the world.Colorado Academy’s inviting 94-acre state of the art campus is stunning and features academic buildings arranged in a quadrangle, much like a small college campus. Each division has a dedicated school building and students share two on-campus libraries, a new visual arts center, a dedicated music center, a campus center, and a dining hall. A new athletic center completed in 2019 includes a field house, two gyms, a training center, and an indoor climbing facility.Arts, Athletics, and Experiential Education At CA, the arts and athletics programs are on equal footing with the academic program in terms of institutional Outdoor spaces include eight tennis courts, a turf baseball diamond, a turf lacrosse and field hockey field, and additional priorities. Theater and dance productions, art shows, and music recitals all provide creative outlets that encourage grass playing fields. A new center for the performing arts is under construction and will debut in 2021. students to cultivate their own sense of artistic expression. A wide range of athletic options helps students build stamina, skill, and confidence while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. Experiential education offers students greater insight into themselves and others, as they venture into the outdoors, engage in service projects, or travel around the country and the world. Each spring, students in the Middle and Upper Schools participate in weeklong Interim trips designed to immerse students and faculty in experiences and pursuits that broaden their skills, test their abilities, and sharpen the awareness of the world in which they live. Whether they engage in artistic pursuits, service-learning trips, or wilderness expeditions, CA alumni often describe the Interim program as their favorite CA tradition.

6 The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates Denver, Colorado Denver is one of the country’s most scenic and thriving metropolitan areas. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The largest and capital city in the state of Colorado, Denver is nicknamed the “Mile-High City,” due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level. With the nation’s largest park system, 90 golf courses, 650 miles of paved bike trails, and a two-hour drive to several of the country’s premier ski resorts, the metropolitan area offers endless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy its moderate climate and universal appeal. There are countless opportunities for seasonal outdoor recreation, from winter sports at numerous nearby resorts to hiking in the summer months. Residents and visitors enjoy the city’s culture, from its nationally-recognized museums (including the Daniel Libeskind-designed Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Denver Museum, the award-winning Museum of Nature and Science, and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre) to its active, local music scene and its four major sports teams: the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche, and Nuggets. Denver’s metro economy is the 18th largest in the United States. A transformational revitalization in the 1990s has made Denver home to tech companies, startups, innovative chefs, cultural and music festivals, and craft beer.

The CA Campus Colorado Academy’s inviting 94-acre state of the art campus is stunning and features academic buildings arranged in a quadrangle, much like a small college campus. Each division has a dedicated school building and students share two on-campus libraries, a new visual arts center, a dedicated music center, a campus center, and a dining hall. A new athletic center completed in 2019 includes a field house, two gyms, a training center, and an indoor climbing facility. Outdoor spaces include eight tennis courts, a turf baseball diamond, a turf lacrosse and field hockey field, and additional grass playing fields. A new center for the performing arts is under construction and will debut in 2021.

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[email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com 7 The Position The Upper School Principal oversees the day-to-day operations of the division, leads the development of curriculum in partnership with the faculty, supports the growth of faculty through professional development and evaluation, plans the academic calendar for the year, oversees the creation of student academic schedules, represents the school in front of Upper School parents, and manages Upper School disciplinary issues. The person in this position works closely with other division heads and is a member of the senior administrative team. The position oversees an outstanding College Office, a registrar, and a counseling staff. Grade-level deans support the students in each grade, while advisors work with the same cohort of students for all four years of their high school experience. The Upper School Principal reports directly to the Head of School. The new principal will find a team of faculty primed for continued learning as teachers, support for students, and cross-disciplinary teaching. The person in this position will provide the educational knowledge and the vision, organization, and management skills to lead and effectively manage a talented group of faculty and students and will play a pivotal role in moving the division to the next level. The next Upper School Principal will be welcomed into the Colorado Academy community at an energetic stage in its history. Under the innovative and strategic leadership provided by Head of School Dr. Mike Davis, CA is well poised for continued excellence in the academic programming and holistic development of its students. The new Upper School Principal will partner with an experienced and collaborative administrative team and will lead a committed and engaged faculty with the support of the Head of School. The Principal will have an important voice in leading the review of the current academic program and implementing new curricular initiatives, strengthening the professional development and assessment of faculty, and refining the upper school student advisory program. The next Upper School Principal of CA will benefit from the school’s notable strengths which include:

Strengths of the School

A highly collegial, collaborative, and joyful learning environment dedicated to the holistic development of all students; A stunning campus with state-of-the-art facilities for the entire PK-12 school community; An engaged, passionate, and devoted Upper School faculty dedicated to meeting the needs of individual students; A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and creating a learning environment that is inclusive of all students; An interconnected PK-12 community that embraces children from 73 different zip-codes, encompassing numerous neighborhoods from through the Denver metropolitan area; A well-balanced program of academics, arts, and physical activity to support the whole child and meet individual student needs; A varied global learning and student travel program that adds a distinctive element to the student experience; A sophisticated outdoor education program; A community that is open to innovation and change, notwithstanding the school’s 115-year history; A comprehensive system of support for Upper School students that includes grade-level deans, three college counselors, two guidance counselors, and a curriculum focused on social and emotional learning; An experienced, collaborative, enthusiastic, and welcoming senior leadership team.

8 The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates Opportunities and Areas of Focus Provide leadership in the evolution of the current Upper School curriculum and schedule to one that more fully aligns with the school’s commitment to student wellness and to an intentional balance of skills and content;

Continue to enhance the culture of academic excellence while catalyzing a spirit of innovation in teaching and learning through new curricular initiatives;

Serve as a collaborative leader in Colorado Academy’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in part by ensuring that the curriculum is inclusive and reflective of all students;

Support faculty in their professional growth and development, especially as they provide a consistent, differentiated, student-centered curriculum that meets each student where s/he is;

Review and refine the current advisory program in order to enable more comprehensive support for students;

Evaluate academic and co-curricular programs to ensure that the school’s human and financial resources are put to their best use in support of the school’s mission.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications The successful candidate for Upper School Principal will possess qualities and qualifications as follows:

The ability to lead, support, and inspire faculty, balancing a culture of freedom and autonomy with consistent feedback and support;

Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with inspiration and clarity;

Personal and professional commitment to social justice and equity and the requisite skillfulness to support student and faculty growth in this area and to facilitate critical conversations in the design of a more inclusive Upper School curriculum;

A commitment to honoring multiple perspectives in order to maintain an authentic, inclusive community;

Nuanced understanding of best practices in student-centered pedagogy and curriculum design;

A collaborative and relational style built on active solicitation of input, excellent listening skills, and a commitment to building consensus;

Ability to position the school for success and to “create demand” for the uniquely compelling CA experience;

A transparent, inclusive, and equitable decision-maker;

Authentic, kind, genuine, honorable, humble, and compassionate;

A joyful sense of humor;

A track record of exceptional results in an independent school or other mission-centered organization. Classroom experience and division leadership experience are strongly preferred.

[email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com 9 10 The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:

A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;

A current résumé;

A one-page statement of leadership philosophy and practice;

A list of five (5) professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to: Marsha Little Burke Zalosh Search Consultant Search Consultant [email protected] [email protected]

Carney, Sandoe & Associates | [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

11 Colorado Academy 3800 S. Pierce Street Denver, CO 80235 coloradoacademy.org