Principal

Job Description

Nazareth Academy Grade School
4701 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114

Ministry Description for the Position of Principal
Effective July 1, 2025

Nazareth Academy Grade School, a private Catholic co-educational elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, is seeking a principal for the 2025-2026 school year. Located in Northeast Philadelphia, our school reflects an environment in which our families and dedicated faculty and staff partner in educating children in grades 1-8. Our school community is proud of our long tradition of academic excellence and faith formation. Nazareth Academy Grade School is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary Schools. Spanish is taught in grades 1-8 and Latin classes are held in grades 7-8. There is an Honors Math program and an Honors English program in place. The school building includes eight classrooms, library/resource room, science lab, tech room, music room, dedicated math instruction classrooms and additional classroom space for Spanish and art instruction. The school plant and campus are beautiful and well-maintained. For more information, please visit the website at www.nazarethacademy.net

Educational Requirements
Master's degree in education, school administration or related field
Ministry Experience

Significant teaching experience and some administrative experience on the elementary school level preferred; Catholic school experience preferred.

Expectations of the Candidate

MISSION
o The principal maintains and advances the Mission of the school and the Mission and heritage of its founding sponsor (CSFN) with Board, faculty, staff and families.
o The principal will exhibit loyalty and support of the CSFN Mission and the Mission and Beliefs of the school integrating the Catholic character and the school's Mission with decision-making and the overall school climate.
o The principal puts in place strategies to advance and enhance the school's public profile in the community especially vis a vis its Mission.

BOARD / SPONSOR ACCOUNTABILITY
o The principal is willing to learn and support the roles of the governing Board of Trustees and its Member (MMI) by modeling appropriate accountability with respect to the Board and in ongoing relationship with the CSFN sponsor.
o The principal communicates regularly with MMI and the Board concerning the needs, successes and general operation of the school.
o The principal discharges all responsibilities and has the authority that such position would customarily require and including but not limited to those listed in the corporate bylaws of the organization.

HEALTH
o The principal enjoys good health adequate to the demands of the position description for this leadership position

CATHOLIC EDUCATION AND FAITH-LIFE
o The principal is a practicing Catholic who is called to be a role model and a witness to the Gospel of Christ and therefore, the principal shall adhere to proper conventions and Christian morals. The principal shall maintain by words and actions a position that is in conformity with the teaching, standards, doctrines, laws and norms of the Roman Catholic Church.
o The principal is dedicated to the ministry of Catholic education.
o The principal exhibits a commitment to the development of the faith-life of the school community by creating an environment that speaks of the Catholic identity of the school.
o The principal, familiar with the latest proven educational trends in elementary education, continues to advance academics in the pursuit of excellence.

CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP
o By his/her witness, leadership and behavior, the principal imparts a distinctive character to a Catholic school. The principal shares in the teaching ministry of the Catholic Church by modeling Christian values and living an exemplary life.
o The principal in recognition of his/her unique commission, exhibits professional standards of ethical behavior in attendance, punctuality, grooming, language, academic preparation and in his/her relationship to students, parents, faculty and staff as both an adult example and member of a faith community.
o The principal ensures a learning experience for students consistent with the school's philosophy and Mission by demonstrating strong instructional leadership in effective teaching skills, classroom management and professional development by means of collaborative leadership with administration and faculty.
o The principal establishes and promotes high standards and expectations for all students and faculty for academic performance and personal conduct.
o The principal is able to reach logical conclusions and make high quality decisions based on available information, has skill in identifying educational needs and setting priorities.

ORGANIZATION
o The principal manages, evaluates and supervises effective and clear procedures for operation and functioning of the school in order to create an atmosphere of order, purpose and passion for learning.
o The principal demonstrates skill in using resources in an optimal fashion.
o The principal is able to deal with a volume of paperwork and heavy demands on one's time.
o The principal is able to use technology to streamline operations and enhance communication in order to maintain a more efficient school environment.

COMMUNICATION
o The principal expresses ideas clearly both orally and in writing; speaking and writing appropriately for different audiences - students, faculty, parents, Board, et al.
o The principal practices active listening and exhibits skill in conflict management at all levels of the school organization.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
o The principal demonstrates good stewardship over financial and material resources of the school organization.

Please email a letter of interest, current resume, updated clearances, a list of at least three references, and a statement of educational philosophy to nazarethacademy4701@gmail.com no later than May 9, 2025.

About the Employer

Nazareth Academy Grade School, founded in 1941 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, is a private co-educational Catholic school for students in grades one through eight. Our mission is to spread the Kingdom of God's love by creating a family-friendly environment in which we invite students and their families to discover God in everyday life events and to be an integral part of the Nazareth family. We are committed to promoting academic excellence and Christian morals and values, and to demonstrating, through our students' personal engagement in service projects, God's love and care for the poor and others in need.