Head of Lower School

ACIS accredits, supports, and advances the interests of Colorado independent schools.

Located in Denver, Colorado, Graland Country Day School is an independent school serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Since the school’s founding in 1927, Graland has delivered an intellectually robust, character-based educational student experience derived from current research about how children learn. Graland welcomes nominations and applications for a mission-driven, collaborative, and student-centered educator to serve as its next Head of Lower School beginning July 1, 2025.

ABOUT GRALAND COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically. While the world has changed since Graland’s founding, one concept has been a constant: Graland is faithful to the enduring aspects of its mission while seeking new ways to promote character and intellectual excellence. The school believes, “A great school never sits still,” and is constantly looking for ways to improve its program and remain relevant for the next generation of students. Guided by its mission, values, and strategic plan, Graland goes to extraordinary lengths to give children the best education possible. The school’s current enrollment totals 700 students supported by 107 faculty members, 70 percent of whom hold advanced degrees. Graland’s faculty and staff enjoy a collaborative, supportive environment where every employee is encouraged to be a lifelong learner. Professional development, onsite childcare, a desirable location in the heart of Denver, and other benefits make Graland a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative workplace.

THE ROLE OF HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL

Reporting to the Head of School, the Head of Lower School leads a division of 422 students and 29 lead teachers and 21 support teachers in grades PreS-4 and is an integral member of the school’s Administrative Team. The Head of Lower School provides the vision and direction for effectively managing the Lower School division and ensuring a quality educational experience for PreS-4 students. They will have expertise in early childhood and elementary curriculum and instruction, demonstrated success as a school leader and lifelong learner, and a desire to work in a school environment that leads students to lives that make a difference. The Head of Lower School will work to foster a positive, inclusive environment and collaborate with educators across the school to uphold Graland’s mission and values. They will work in a highly relational, visible, and authentic way with students, faculty, staff, and families to support their experience in and beyond the classroom and have experience leading equity and inclusion work within communities and bring imagination and expansive thinking to the role. The Head of Lower School has three direct reports – the Associate Head of Lower School, the Lower School Administrative Assistant, and the Artistic Director – and supervises and evaluates all faculty members in the Lower School. They also regularly collaborate and work in tandem with the Head of Middle School and the Director of Curriculum & Instruction.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate for Graland’s next Head of Lower School will have a demonstrated history of leading outcomes-driven teaching and learning and equity and inclusion initiatives within a PreK-Elementary environment, as well as a desire to serve as a strong advocate for Graland and its mission. This position requires an appetite for collaborative decision-making, regular and clear communication, engagement with multiple and diverse community members, capacity building, and, most importantly, a passionate, student-centered approach to leadership. A working knowledge of differentiated instruction in a caring, nurturing environment is essential, as is the ability to coach teachers to create such an environment. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate sound professional judgment, personal integrity, and resilience when addressing complex, and often ambiguous, organizational, and political challenges. Desired qualifications include: five or more years of teaching or working in an elementary program, three or more years in a school-based administrative or leadership role, and a bachelor’s degree and MS/MA in a related field, with a preference for elementary education or educational leadership.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 – $160,000 with a generous benefits package that includes professional development, employer-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation, sick and personal time off, as well as participation in a retirement plan. Additionally, employees enjoy daily free lunch, access to an on-campus workout facility, and opportunities based on availability for subsidized on-site childcare.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The search committee for Graland Country Day School’s next Head of Lower School is now accepting applications and nominations and will begin reviewing materials immediately. Requested application materials include a letter of interest and current resume. Interested candidates should apply using the following Talent Profile link: Talent Profile Link.

Graland Country Day School is being assisted in this search by Storbeck Search |Diversified Search Group. For additional information, or to submit a nomination in confidence, please contact:

Christopher Bernard, Senior Search Associate

It is the policy of Graland Country Day School to comply fully with all laws barring discrimination against employees, or applicants, for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge status or physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, rates of pay or other compensation, employee benefits, tuition assistance programs and termination of employment.