HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH

Applications Due: Monday, June 28, 2021 Start Date: July 1, 2022 VILLA ACADEMY IS... an independent, Catholic, preK-8th grade school, located on 31 acres in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. The beautiful campus includes organic gardens, a greenhouse, an orchard, a grotto, forest and trails, a state of art athletic field and 600’ of frontage on Lake Washington. The facilities include the main building which houses a beautiful Chapel, an attached preschool, gym, theater, art studio, music room, makerspaces, and the new Villa Treehouse, which supports the school’s goal to provide a variety of outdoor learning experiences, projects and activities. It is accessible by all ages with a capacity to hold over 30 students and is the first permitted treehouse in the City of Seattle.

Villa Academy offers a challenging curriculum Villa Academy stands for the respect of all human for children ages 3 to 14 from the greater Seattle dignity in the spirit of the school’s founder, area. The program offers a balance of traditio- St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who was known as nal academics with experiential education that America’s first “Citizen Saint” and the “Universal increases children’s intrinsic motivation, Patroness of Immigrants.” At the root of all deepens learning, and supports their healthy community experiences is the Catholic tradition social, emotional, and physical development. of faith-centered justice, as teachers and students When the school day is over the learning conti- commit to affirming the importance of diversity nues with a wide array of after-school activities, and inclusion in order to expand our communal CYO sports, and enrichment classes. vision of a more just world. Mother Cabrini, who established over 50 schools, orphanages and hospitals in the U.S. during her ministry to those new to our shores, inspires our present day commitment to service, social justice and educa- tion with a global perspective. Her shining exam- ple fuels our belief that Villa students can and do change the world.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG AT A GLANCE MISSION 377 students in Grades PK-8 Villa Academy is a Catholic independent school dedicated to excellence in the from 34 zip codes education of the whole child and guided by the Cabrinian tradition of educating 27% students of color compassionate hearts and confident minds. 46 faculty members (including instructional assistants) VISION 62% with Advanced Degrees Engaging compassionate and confident learners for lives of infinite possibility. CORE VALUES AVERAGE CLASS SIZE Cabrinian Tradition Preschool = 15 The Cabrinian tradition of teaching is dedicated to educational excellence and Kindergarten = 15 the development of the whole child to fullness of person. Villa graduates are well Grades 1 - 5 = 18 on their way to emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social maturity as Grades 6 - 8 = 22 - 24 they initiate their high school experience and seek new opportunities to learn, grow, and give to others. TUITION FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR Skills Mastery Preschool 3 (P3) = $13,878 Villa graduates possess a mastery of academic and social skills through a deep, Preschool 4 (P4) = $13,878 inclusive, and rich learning community that features excellence in instruction, Preschool 5 (P5) = $19,454 curriculum, and facilities, and is consistent with a child-centered educational Grades K to 5 = $27,772 approach. At the time of graduation, students have developed the essential Grades 6 to 8 = $29,845 academic and social skills to succeed in high school and later in life. Cultural Competence FINANCIAL AID Villa graduates have a cultural competence achieved through knowledge of the $1,487,000 awarded for 2020-21 needs and attributes of many communities and are beginning to prepare for the Average award: $17,619 day when they will take a place in these communities as competent, concerned, and responsible members. 22% of students receive aid Compassion and Service VILLA ALUMNI Villa graduates are on the threshold of moving beyond self-interest in their relationships to treating others with kindness and compassion as required by 90% attend Independent High our faith. Schools 10% attend Public High School Pursuit of Excellence & Expectation of Integrity Villa graduates have a desire and ability to pursue excellence in their lives. They are persons of integrity who conduct themselves accordingly in their personal relationships and their work in the community.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG THE PROGRAM CURRICULAR HALLMARKS Villa Academy believes that children are not vessels to be The Best of Both Worlds filled but lamps to be lighted. The school program is guided Villa balances traditional learning with experiential learning by the belief that students learn best when they are challen- to support different aspects of student growth and deve- ged, engaged, and inspired. Students at Villa are provided lopment. The traditional - math facts, studying Greek and with the opportunity to explore real-world issues, think Latin roots, essay writing, and analyzing primary sources - critically, question assumptions, and develop skills for future are important to meet the demands of any future educatio- academic journeys and beyond. nal setting. The experiential program deepens and expands learning and supports students’ social, emotional, and physi- At Villa, students are: cal development. • Deeply known: Through small classes, engaged faculty and instructional assistants, and close and regular com- Guiding Students munication both within the school and with parents at Students receive report cards each semester, but it’s impor- home, the well-being of students is a high priority. tant to know that assessment at Villa is ongoing. Teachers provide - through a range of benchmarking tools and • Individuals: Villa is not a “one-size fits all” school. standards - thoughtful and timely tracking and feedback on A challenging but flexible curriculum meets the needs each student’s progress throughout the course of study. of each individual student. • Supported: In an environment of caring and encourage- An Inclusive Lens ment, students are encouraged to take risks, try alterna- At Villa, instruction, teaching materials, and literature tives, and make the mistakes so central to real learning collections exist through a lens of both equity and inclusion. and academic progress. They provide both “mirrors” and “windows” into one’s own • Encouraged: Through inquiry-based learning, students experience as well as a view into others’ culture and identity are encouraged to have a voice in their learning. - in school, in the community, and globally. • Leaders: Students at Villa are encouraged to be leaders, communicators, collaborators, and teammates through Remaining Dynamic the development and practicing of human competencies Talented teachers continually adjust, develop, and create as presented through the school’s “Skills for Success” in their classrooms every day. But the school also engages program. in a formal curricular review process for each subject every four years to ensure alignment with current research and best practice.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG ADMISSIONS A major financial consideration for the school is assuring a high-quality faculty and staff while maintaining a tuition 2017-18: 427 students level that is competitive with local independent schools. 2018-19: 415 students The budgetary implications of providing salaries and 2019-20: 390 students benefits that compare favorably with area competition 2020-21: 377 students will continue to be a challenge.

DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION 2020 2019 2018 Currently, the Head of School has twelve direct reports: • Middle School Director (currently also serves as the Annual Fund $459,809 $383,304 $402,050 Associate Head of School) Auction $257,816 $374,137 $377,811 • Lower School Director Endowment • Director of Admissions & Enrollment Services Balance $1,334,502 $1,233,008 $1,193,112 • Development Director • Director of Business Affairs & Finance GOVERNANCE • Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment As a 501©3 nonprofit organization in the State of Washing- ton, Villa Academy is governed by an independent Board • Director of Extended Day & Enrichment Programming of Trustees. The board is responsible for Villa’s strategic • Director of Equity Education & Inclusion direction and the fiscal sustainability of the school. • Director of Facilities • Director of Marketing & Communications The Board currently includes 18 members, with the Head of School as an ex-officio member without voting privi- • Technology Director leges. Trustees are elected to three-year terms and may • Athletic Director serve no more than two consecutive terms. Presently the board is comprised of all parents with the exception of one, the Head of School of a local independent Catholic FINANCES High School. Board meetings are held nine times a year. The financial picture of Villa Academy, while sound will The board has several committees: executive, building and require continual attention by the Head of School and the grounds, development, diversity and inclusion, finance, Board of Trustees in the years ahead. The operating budget marketing and communications, and trustee committee. for the 2020 fiscal year is approximately $10.7 million. As noted in “The School at a Glance,” 22% of students receive financial aid awards. The total financial aid award MATRICULATION for 2020-21 school year is $1.487 million which is unusually Villa students matriculate to area independent schools high due to present economic conditions. Tuition is the including: Bishop Blanchet High School, The Bush School, primary source of revenue with tuition levels also noted in Eastside Catholic High School, Forest Ridge, Holy Names “The School at a Glance.” Academy, Lakeside School, The Northwest School, O’Dea High School, Seattle Academy, Seattle Preparatory School, and University Preparatory School.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG FUTURE LEADERSHIP OF THE SCHOOL

The Villa Academy Board of Trustees seeks an experienced educator who embraces Villa Academy’s mission and values and who has the skills, initiative and drive to help build and realize a compelling vision and future for the school.​

The Board of Trustees of Villa Academy is conducting a national search to identify and recruit the next Head of School. Marcus Hurlbut and Joan Beauregard of Educators’ Collaborative solicited input from stakeholders through numerous virtual meetings and gathered input from constituents by way of an online survey. These constituents included faculty, staff, administrators, parents and trustees. Based on this input, impressions of the consultants, as well as input from the Head of School Search Committee, the following represents a summary of Villa Academy’s strengths, challenges and opportunities and the qualities and skills of the next Head of School.

STRENGTHS OF THE SCHOOL The following are the most notable strengths of Villa Academy and include enduring practices and traditions that will be expected to carry over through a leadership transition.

• A warm, welcoming community that values • Students who are kind and positive with each close relationships among its members. other and enjoy their interactions with adults. • Parents and educators who are committed to • Dedicated and inspired teachers who are the goals of a whole child philosophy which committed to their work and their students. helps young people realize their full academic, • The exceptional opportunity to offer and social and emotional potential. continue to develop programs that take full • A community-wide belief in and support of advantage of a beautiful 31-acre campus. the teachings established by Saint Francis • A highly committed and supportive Board Xavier Cabrini, the school’s founder and of Trustees that is deeply committed to the inspiration. strategic development of Villa while under– • Guided by its roots, traditions and values, standing and supporting the Head’s role in Villa respects the personal path of each leading and managing the operations of the student and his/her family. The school is school. dedicated to assisting students to develop an understanding of a spiritual life regardless of beliefs or affiliation. • A community belief in the benefits of a P-8 school which educates students on one campus and where the experiences and growth of students moving from pre-school through middle school is acknowledged and celebrated by the teachers and other school personnel who have been part of their lives for many years.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL 1. Vision and Identity: There is wide-spread belief that 7. Professional support and evaluation: Careful attention the identity of Villa as an independent Catholic school needs to be paid to providing leadership and support is not well understood or explained thereby positioning to a dedicated faculty and staff. Specific areas of focus the school in the marketplace as more expensive than would include: nearby parish schools and less academically rigorous a. Leadership and support of the school’s commitment than the local independent schools. Careful analysis and to diversity, equity and inclusion in the faculty, staff, attention need to be devoted to crafting an accurate student body and parent community. and compelling statement on the special qualities of the school and how being an independent Catholic school b. Continued development and implementation of an can bring value and enlightenment to a religiously plura- effective professional evaluation system, including listic school community. professional development support. 2. Communications: Evaluate and develop, where needed, c. Evaluation of faculty compensation with an eye clear communications with the school community to toward reducing faculty turnover. develop trust, understanding, engagement and support. 8. Managing and learning from COVID: While it remains 3. Enrollment and retention: Marketing and enrollment to be seen when and how schools will return to “normal” management is crucial to the long-term success of Villa. operation, the ongoing challenge of sustaining the key While the school continues to serve the local “neighbor- elements of a Villa education in this period of uncertain- hood,” it is clear that the reach of admission and marke- ty is both a special concern and an opportunity to assess ting efforts needs to extend far beyond the local com- lessons learned and capitalize on a changing educational munity. In addition, attention needs to be paid internally landscape. to promoting the advantages of the full P-8 experience. 9. Physical plant: Continue the evaluation of campus and 4. Finances: Ensure the financial sustainability of the plant needs including revenue generating opportunities school through careful analysis of tuition levels, financial and support for expanded program offerings. There is aid, fundraising and additional sources of revenue. also a strong feeling that the expansive campus of the school could be better utilized for environmental and 5. Program: The academic program of the school project-based learning. straddles the delicate divide between a respect for faculty autonomy and an acknowledgment that efforts 10. Governance: Given the ever-changing landscape of need to be made to create a cohesive academic program independent schools, the Head and the Board will need through the examination of the vertical alignment of the to engage in conversations and work collaboratively curriculum. to keep the Villa Academy relevant and responsive to changing times. Special attention should be paid to 6. Diversity, equity and inclusion: Efforts need to be regular communications from the Board to the school made to articulate the school’s commitment to DEI with community to provide accurate and informative updates a specific focus on the manner in which the school’s on strategic initiatives. Catholic identity naturally supports the principals asso- ciated with diversity, equity and inclusion. 11. Planning: The creation of a clear vision for the future of the school and a plan to reach that vision will play an important role in creating a collective sense of purpose and direction.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES OF THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL The next Head of Villa Academy will be an experienced, approachable, responsive and strategic leader. The next Head of School will be a leader who ideally posses- ses the following characteristics and qualities:

• Evidences an abundance of those characteristics typically found in successful school leaders: courage with kindness, honesty, character above reproach, excellent verbal and written communication skills, relationship builder, data-driven decision-maker, a high degree of visibility, lifelong learner, positivity, humility, a sense of humor, and the ability to work collaboratively and productively with stakeholders to work through conflict and build consensus. • A demonstrated experience with and commitment to the value of a Catholic education and the skills to articulate this value to a religiously diverse school community. • An authentic and enthusiastic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • An astute listener and observer who will take the time to understand Villa and will work with the team to create a plan and courageously take the steps to move forward to a stronger, sustainable future. • Experience in engaging multiple constituencies and building trusting relationships inside and outside the school community. • An outgoing and warm personality with a genuine desire to engage in the school community at every level. • Solid understanding of best practices in independent schools and the ability to build systems for the effective and efficient operations of Villa. • Experience and demonstrated success in financial management, fundraising and enrollment growth. • Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising and marketing and a willingness to take a critical leadership role in both. • A proven record of identifying, developing, motivating and retaining a talented faculty and staff. • An innovative visionary who is willing to look and think outside the box. • An articulate and charismatic spokesperson in the school community and beyond.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG SUMMARY OF THE SEARCH PROCESS

Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials in a Single Merged Document by July 1. • EC Candidate Summary Sheet and Disclosure Form (Contact Marcus Hurlbut and/or Joan Beauregard for these documents) • A cover letter addressed to the Search Committee • Current resume • Statement of Educational Leadership philosophy • A Diversity Statement describing your specific skills/experiences working with diverse populations, your values related to diversity and inclusion issues and how you see yourself contributing to achieving equity and enhancing diversity at Villa Academy. • A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) • Up to three letters of reference (optional)

Application materials are to be sent electronically via email, as a single WORD document to: Marcus Hurlbut, Partner Joan Beauregard, Partner Educators’ Collaborative, LLC Educators’ Collaborative, LLC [email protected] [email protected] and 949-279-3084 [email protected] 206-851-6616

Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations and does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, creed, age, national origin, marital status or disability.

VILLA ACADEMY • 5001 NE 50TH ST., SEATTLE, WA 98105 • WWW.THEVILLA.ORG