Redeemer Classical HOS OP

HEAD OF SCHOOL
Redeemer Classical School
OPPORTUNITY PROFILE

GREETINGS
from the Search Committee Chair
Dear Prospective Head of School Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the Head of School position at Redeemer Classical School.
This Opportunity Profile is meant to offer you a first glance at our school and the key
characteristics needed in our next leader.
For ten years, Redeemer has benefitted from the outstanding service of Principal Teresa
Patton, who has developed a superior academic program and a passionate faculty team.
While Teresa will continue to exercise her considerable giftedness in this role, our school
has arrived at the point where a full-time Head of School is needed to take us to the next
level in terms of growth, fundraising, and strategic planning.
This is an exciting time in the life of RCS. Our CSI accreditation in 2015 affirmed the
excellence of our academic curriculum, and consistent enrollment growth indicates that
families are drawn to RCS’ academic offering and Christian foundation. We are incredibly
blessed, as a school community, by the depth and harmony of relationships among our
board members, administrators, and faculty. We are not seeking a Head of School to fix a
broken school, but rather to take a thriving school to the next level, for the benefit of our
constituency and the glory of God.
Our next Head of School needs to be a visionary leader who can build upon a strong
foundation, continue enrollment growth, plan for the possible addition of an upper
school, and lead efforts to meet the growing facility needs of the school.
We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile and to further explore our
website for additional information. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity,
please reference the Process of Candidacy page to begin the application process. If you
have any questions, please contact Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff (615-261-4623), the
JobfitMatters Consultants who are assisting Redeemer Classical in this search.
Sincerely,
Rita Dunaway
Search Committee Chair

HISTORY
of Redeemer Classical School
In 2001 several families gathered to read, consider,
discuss and pray about the founding of a new
school for the greater Harrisonburg area. Together,
they studied the classical model of education, which
embraces the principles of the Trivium, the inclusion
of formal Latin study, and an emphasis on studying
the great books from a Christ-centered perspective.
From this group blossomed a desire for a Classical
Christian School.
Ultimately, this group of founding families adopted
the following preamble to the Redeemer Classical
School by-laws.
In the belief that God has given parents the primary
responsibility and privilege of providing an education
for their children, that all teaching and learning should
be informed and shaped by a Christian perspective, and
that concerted action by parents and the community is
a valuable means for fulfilling these ends, these bylaws
are hereby adopted the 30th of November, 2002.
Redeemer Classical School opened its doors in 2004
at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Mosby Road
with 15 logic school students in attendance. In
2005, Redeemer moved to Faith Bible church for two
years and started its first kindergarten class. In 2007,
Redeemer moved again temporarily to Mountain
View Church in McGaheysville while renovations
were happening on the historic Keezletown School
building. In the spring of 2008, Redeemer moved
into the back portion of the present location in
Keezletown, Virginia. In 2013, RCS moved into the
first classroom on the bottom floor of the front
part of the building to accommodate the rise
in enrollment to over 75 students. In 2014, RCS
finished the renovations on the first floor of the
front building and opened the front doors to over
95 students, including the first Pre-K class.
Today, with current enrollment at 125 students, that
number continues to grow. The board is actively
negotiating to purchase the historic campus it now
rents, and plans to invest in additional renovations
once the property is secured. Continued enrollment
growth and the addition of upper grades will call for
additional facility planning.
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VISION & MISSION
Growing Oaks of Righteousness
...that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
—Isaiah 61:3
MISSION STATEMENT
Redeemer Classical School’s Mission is
to Partner with Families
to Provide for the Christian Discipleship of Children
through a Classical Education
for the Greater Glory of God.
TO PARTNER WITH FAMILIES
God has given parents the daunting, glorious calling of
discipling their children in all truth. Redeemer Classical
School exists to assist families in this high calling. The
Christian life is one that is lived in dependence upon
the Lord and mutual dependence on one another. It is
our desire to pursue the Christian training of children in
this context.
We welcome families to enjoy the benefits of this
school whether or not they are part of the Christian
community.
TO PROVIDE FOR THE CHRISTIAN
DISCIPLESHIP OF CHILDREN
As we train children, we remind them that all truth is
grounded in the knowledge of God and we can only
know God through Christ our Redeemer. All of creation
is the proper realm of academic and vocational
endeavor. So we seek to encourage, challenge and
inspire children to live wholeheartedly for God’s glory
in all they do.
We are committed to working with children with
varying levels of ability because we believe that the
best education is best for every child. We will seek to
draw from each child his or her very best.
We provide tuition assistance to families who are not
able to afford the cost of tuition but want this education
for their child.
4

EDUCATION
Through a Classical Approach
The Classical approach to education has been at the
foundation of much of Western thought. Its three
stages, grammar, logic and rhetoric are well suited
to the natural developmental stages of children.
The grammar stage capitalizes on the proclivity of
young children for repetition and memory work.
During this stage children memorize the basic facts,
or “grammar,” of various subjects. At the logic stage,
a child’s emerging disposition towards arguing
is channeled into the work of arranging these
accumulated facts into a logical order. Finally, at the
rhetoric stage, maturing young men and women
are challenged to think deeply and clearly and to
express themselves with precision and beauty. This
methodology is called the trivium and is intended
to train a child how to explore and think.
The content of a classical approach requires
studying the best thinkers of the ages, secure in the
fact that God is the author of all truth. Children will
be entering into the “Great Conversation” of Western
civilization as they read, discuss and reflect on the
best minds of the ages.
Therefore the training a child receives will be
characterized by the following:
• An active approach to learning; memorizing,
reading, writing, reflecting and creating as a
result of and as preparation for meaningful
interaction with their teachers and peers.
• A working knowledge of history timetables.
Our curriculum is organized according to
periods of history, which are integrated across
disciplines.
• An emphasis on the literary classics. As a body
needs a well-balanced diet, so a mind needs
rich and satisfying material to grow. The classics
provide a proven “diet” for a growing mind.
• A study of Latin to further develop an
understanding of language, literature and
logic.
• A thorough training in mathematics, science
and logic, which help us to see the order,
beauty and harmony of God’s creation.
• An aim to train, encourage and inspire the
children towards excellence and eloquence in
written and spoken expression. Therefore the
children will be asked to write and speak often
and well.
• A study of orthodox Christian doctrine, focused
on the truths that have bound Christians
through the ages, that we might be better able
to give glory to God in all things.
Those who oversee, instruct in and administer this
school purpose to model a lifestyle of learning. We
confess that we do not know all that we should
or could and adopt a lifestyle of reading, writing,
reflecting and creating. We labor in these ways that
we might grow in our love of the good, true and
beautiful and that we might more fully worship the
One who is the author of all these things.
FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD
The ultimate priority of life is the glory of God.
He achieves this glory through the work of
redemption, therefore Christ-centered training is
a redeeming work: redeeming children, teachers
and parents. Children will be challenged in their
moral development, to live as followers of Christ in
every area of life. We will not only strive to impart
knowledge but also wisdom, preparing the child for
endeavors worthy of a great God.
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STATEMENT OF FAITH
Redeemer Classical School is an independent Christian school
without institutional ties to any church or denomination. Our
statement of faith is focused on the truths that have bound
orthodox Christians together through the ages, across the
boundaries of time, place, race, denomination and tradition.
All Redeemer faculty subscribe to this statement, but it is not a
requirement for parents or students. Redeemer Classical School
invites believers to join together in the work of reforming and
redeeming our world - preparing leaders to advance a culture
committed to truth, wisdom, beauty, goodness, mercy and
justice to the greater glory of God.
SCRIPTURE
We believe that the Bible, comprised of the sixty-six books of the
Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God, given by revelation
from the Holy Spirit, inerrant in all that it affirms, and the only
infallible rule for Christian faith and practice.
GOD
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three
Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These three are equal in
power and glory and are identical in their essence and attributes.
We believe the God we serve is holy, righteous, good, loving, and
full of mercy. God possesses all knowledge and power; nothing is
unknown or impossible to Him. His knowledge extends eternally
to what has been, what is now and what will be. In all things He is
limited by nothing other than His own nature and character. We
believe God works all things according to the counsel of His will
and for His own glory. God is not the author of sin but holds each
man accountable for his every thought, word and deed.
JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity,
eternally begotten of the Father. He was born of a virgin, Mary,
having been conceived by the Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life
and performed miracles. He died a voluntary, substitutionary
death on the cross as the perfect and complete sacrifice for sin.
He was raised bodily from the dead and ascended to the right
hand of the Father. He continues to be fully man and fully God.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe in the full deity of the Holy Spirit, eternally existing
with the Father and the Son. He inspired the Scriptures. By
the work of the Holy Spirit men are convicted of sin, moved to
repentance, and enabled to embrace Jesus Christ by faith. He
dwells in the Christian as his Comforter and enables him to live a
godly life.
CREATION
We believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He
created the universe and all that is in it out of nothing. He created
Adam and Eve as actual historical people to bear His image, to
give Him glory and to enjoy Him forever.
MANKIND
We believe that mankind holds a unique place in the created order.
Because we have been designed by God and made in His image,
we have intrinsic value and purpose. Adam and Eve, the first
parents, were tempted by Satan and disobeyed God’s command.
By their own choice, they fell from their original state of innocence
and fellowship with God and came under the power and penalty
of sin. Adam served as our representative; therefore when Adam
sinned, all men fell and became sinners. Because of this fall, there
is no aspect of life that has been left untainted by sin.
SALVATION
We believe that for all men, salvation is necessary for eternal
life with God. Jesus Christ provided the full redemption for sins
through His death and resurrection. Salvation is by grace alone,
through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Saving faith is a gift of
God on the basis of His free grace. Although good works result as
evidence of a believer’s salvation, they neither gain salvation nor
add to our favor with God.
SANCTIFICATION
We believe that all true believers, indwelt and sealed by the Holy
Spirit, are enabled to grow in godliness and that this growth will
continue until the day of Christ Jesus. By the Spirit’s renewing
activity, we are enabled to produce good works without which
faith is dead.
CULTURE
We believe that the Father has given Christ all authority in
heaven and earth. He is Sovereign Lord of all creation and every
area of life, not just “religious” or “spiritual” life. Each Christian is
commanded to love Him with all his mind as well as his heart and
soul. We love Him with all our minds by refusing to conform to
the unbelieving patterns of the world, and by our taking every
thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
CHRIST’S RETURN
We believe that Jesus Christ is King of all the realms of life and
society now and that He will return personally to reign over His
kingdom. All humanity will be resurrected at the judgment: the
saved to eternal life, and the lost to eternal condemnation and
separation from God.
This Statement of Faith finds its doctrinal roots in the historic creeds of the Christian church. Particularly in the dialectic and rhetoric stages of the trivium, treatment of the Statement of Faith may lead to secondary
doctrinal issues. When this occurs, the instructor will strive to teach the various views of orthodox Christianity from an objective, unbiased, scriptural point of view. We reserve for the parents, and by extension their
church, the final responsibility to search the scriptures with their children to resolve such issues.
6

AT-A-GLANCE
ENROLLMENT (2016-2017)
INTRODUCTION
125
Redeemer Classical School is an independent,
co-educational, PreK-8th grade day school that
offers a classical and Christian education.
49
TUITION
GRADES PRE-K: $5,775 (FULL DAY)
GRADES K-3: $7,005
GRADES 4-5: $7,310
GRADES 6-8: $8,140 (for more tuition
information, see RCS Tuition Info)
FINANCIAL
Annual Budget
(2016-2017): $800,000
Giving
(2015-2016): $50,000
Total Debt: approx. $10,000
ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIP
Redeemer Classical School is a member
of and accredited by Christian Schools
International (CSI).
STUDENTS
98
FACULTY
27
22%
HOLD ADVANCED
DEGREES
(Includes two doctorates)
44 14
12
Logic School
(Grades 7-8)
Grammar School
(Grades PreK-6)
6
51
Girls
Boys
7%
STUDENTS OF
COLOR
7:1
FACULTY/STUDENT
RATIO
Full-time
Part-time
STUDENT GROWTH
150
150
120
120
90
90
60
60
30
30
0
76 78
2012-13
FINANCIAL AID
14%+
RECEIVE NEEDS-BASED
FINANCIAL AID
99
115
125
2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
$48,000+
AWARDED IN NEEDS-BASED
FINANCIAL AID
(2016-2017 academic year)
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HOUSE SYSTEM
CURRICULUM
CLASSICAL EDUCATION AT REDEEMER CLASSICAL SCHOOL GIVES STUDENTS:
••
A working knowledge of the timetables of history
••
A foundation in the literary classics of the West
••
Continual training in written and spoken expression
••
An interdisciplinary study of science and mathematics
••
An appreciation for the arts
••
Enriched language, logic and literary skills through the study of Latin
••
A fundamental understanding of the principles of logic
••
An understanding of orthodox theology
Redeemer’s college-preparatory curriculum — based on the methodology of the trivium — trains a child
how to think, reason and explore any subject. Instruction and assignments are appropriate to students’
natural development of intellectual capacities for memorization, higher-order thinking, and formation and
explanation of their personal understandings of the world. All subjects are approached with a Christian
world view that blends reason and faith. We seek to teach children the rules which govern good science,
history, art, music, writing, logic and math so that they may appreciate all these subjects to the fullest and
may thereby give glory to God.
For more information about Redeemer’s Curriculum, see http://www.redeemerclassical.org/academics/
curriculum/
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CAMPUS
The campus is located in Keezletown on 6.9 acres
at the west base of Massanutten mountain. The
building is located in a picturesque setting, nestled
between rolling farmland and Massanutten. The
present Keezletown School was built in 1916 and
served as a county elementary school until 2001
when it was closed after Peak View Elementary was
opened.
This land has been the site of a school since the
property was deeded by George Keezle on August
24, 1877. The front portion of the current building
was constructed in 1917 after fires destroyed the
first two buildings at this site. The last high school
class graduated in 1949 when the school became an
elementary school and was renamed Keezletown
Elementary.
The school can be found at 1688 Indian Trail Road.
Despite the secluded setting, Redeemer is only
minutes from the Valley Mall and Interstate 81 by
way of Keezletown Road. Indian Trail provides easy
access to Rt. 33 to the East and the Northern end of
Harrisonburg to the West.
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POSITION PROFILE
Head of School - Redeemer Christian School
THE POSITION
The Head of School leads the school by inspiring and overseeing
the academic community, developing and disseminating the
vision of the school, maintaining the business of the school, and
overseeing the development of the school. The Head of School
reports to the Board of Directors and serves as an ex-officio
member of the Board of Directors.
Under the current structure, the Head of School’s leadership team
is structured with the following members: Principal, Development
Director, and Office Assistant. The faculty report to the Principal.
LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDEAL HEAD OF
SCHOOL
••
A Christian leader. The head of school should be a member in
good standing at a local church whose theology and doctrine
are in agreement with Redeemer’s Statement of Faith.
••
A lifelong learner. The head of school should model personal
growth and pursue excellence. A Master’s degree in an
appropriately related field is preferred.
••
A passionate Christian educator. The head of school must
affirm Redeemer’s founding principle that God has given
parents the primary privilege and responsibility for providing
an education for their children, and that one good means of
accomplishing that task is through a school founded on the
principles of classical education in the context of orthodox
Christian faith. The head of school should be actively engaged
in academic discussions on 21st century Christian education,
and a participant in the larger conversation about education in
the community.
••
A personable, visionary leader who can clearly articulate our
mission and formulate and execute a strategic plan.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
••
With the assistance of the Board, develops, refines and
disseminates the vision of the school for the benefit of the
administration, faculty, parents, and students.
••
Oversees the implementation of the long-term strategic
planning of the school by working with and advising the
Board and continuing to keep the school’s mission and vision
before the Board.
••
Monitors cultural trends in the school – correcting negative
trends and inspiring positive ones — by consistently being
involved in the life of the school as an observer and participant.
••
Directs the daily operation of Redeemer by hiring, supervising
and evaluating the staff (Principal, Office Assistant, and
Development Director), by coordinating activities, by creating
clear lines of authority, and by setting the tone for a highquality
program.
••
Monitors and ensures compliance with the standards and
policies of Redeemer by consistently interacting with the
staff, faculty, parents, and students of the school.
••
Maintains accurate personnel records by overseeing
procedures and practices.
••
Oversees and manages the school facilities.
••
Reviews and approves all extra-curricular activities.
EXTERNAL AND FUNDRAISING RESPONSIBILITIES
••
Serves as the key promoter of the school, responsible for
enrollment, retention, and fundraising success.
••
Builds relationships with other Classical Schools and churches in
the area by interacting with, cooperating with, and supporting
these institutions to benefit the school.
••
By interacting with other educational leaders and academic
communities, discovers best practices and implements them
at Redeemer Classical School.
••
Develops and implements future plans regarding facility
improvement, future facility expansion, and the expansion of
upper school enrollment and offerings. Implements fundraising
and financial sustainability efforts to ensure the school’s health
and growth.
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
••
Possesses the professional background and educational
training to ensure Redeemer’s success in achieving academic
excellence from a classical Christian perspective.
••
Recruits teachers by fostering relationships with schools of
higher education, by developing a plan to attract excellent
teachers, and by executing that plan in conjunction with the
Personnel Committee.
••
Oversees the assignment, training, encouragement, discipline,
and inspiration of the teaching staff by modeling a love of
learning and pursuing academic excellence.
••
Ensures that student needs are met by working with the
Principal and faculty to make sure that policies are in place to
meet those needs.
••
Oversees student discipline by working with the Principal and
faculty and by building relationships with students.
••
Oversees curriculum choices and development by working
with the Curriculum Committee and the faculty of the school
to anticipate needed curriculum and improve
Houston, Texas
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EXPECTATIONS
of the Head of School
PRIORITIES FOR REDEEMER’S FUTURE
Successful leadership in any educational institution
is judged by how well its leader meets the
expectations of its Board, meets the needs of its
students, and responds to the input of its faculty,
administration and other constituent groups. In
a recent survey, respondents from a cross section
of the community named the top three priorities
for the next Head of School to be 1) expand or
improve our facilities, 2) strengthen the spiritual
development of the students, and 3) improve the
financial health of our school through fundraising
and philanthropic giving.
Following are the key priorities included in the
Board’s Strategic Plan, currently being finalized by
the Board. This Plan represents the priorities of the
current board, and the new Head of School will
influence future Strategic Planning.
1. Head of School will review the current 5-year
plan and will develop, with the Board, a 10 year
strategic plan for RCS that addresses facility needs,
fundraising, faculty recruitment and retention,
spiritual development and community culture.
2. Head of School will create a fundraising plan
that covers immediate facility needs, scholarships,
teacher training, and future facilities and/or campus.
3. Head of School will develop a plan to reach “full”
enrollment of approximately 150 from the current
125 by 2020 (pending renovation of existing
available space), adding a second classroom in
grades when needed.
4. Head of School will form a partnership network
with local churches and institutions of higher
education in the Harrisonburg community.
5. Head of School will research and initiate possible
plans for an upper school.
WHERE IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE TODAY?
The ideal candidate will likely come from a classical
Christian school, but the right leader may come
from a variety of vocations or careers as long as
the person has experience in and passion for the
classical model. The candidate may approximate
one of these descriptions. This list is not meant
to be exhaustive but rather to encourage
potential candidates to understand the breadth of
experiences that may fit well in this position:
• A successful classical Christian school leader
who has led schools of at least 100 students
• A successful classical Christian school leader
who has been an assistant Head or an
administrator for at least 4 years with significant
leadership responsibilities
• A successful secular private or public school
administrator who believes strongly in classical
Christian education, has a solid classical
education background, and has a significant
understanding of non-profits, boards, and
fundraising.
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LOCATION
The Community of Harrisonburg, VA
Only two hours from Washington, D.C., Harrisonburg is a safe, friendly college community with a diverse
population of approximately 42,000.
Located along one of the main thoroughfares of America’s westward expansion and smack in the middle of
some of the most spectacular mountain ranges and outdoor recreation spots in Virginia, Harrisonburg has
evolved from an agricultural, cultural, and commercial hub during the 19th and 20th centuries to today’s
artfully-restored, forward-thinking destination best known for its lively and distinct style. There are ski slopes,
trails for biking, rivers for fishing, forests for camping — on any given evening you can choose between
home-cooked southern-fried chicken, an edgy coffee shop, live music in a bar or ethnic cuisine. Read more
about Harrisonburg’s Downtown Renaissance here.
Shenandoah National Park borders the eastern edge of Rockingham County, inviting residents to be
refreshed by the beauty and wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive, the park’s 101-mile scenic
byway, features 75 overlooks with incredible views. Massanutten Resort offers skiing, snow tubing, indoor
and outdoor water parks, mountain biking, golf, tennis, disc golf, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, and
kayaking.
The Arts Council of the Valley supports and promotes artistic expression in Harrisonburg and Rockingham
County through education, performing arts, and visual arts. The region also offers many outdoor festivals,
fairs, and special events throughout the year.
Home to James Madison University, Harrisonburg residents enjoy all the benefits of being a college town.
With en enrollment of 21,000 James Madison was ranked the #2 top public school in the South by U.S. News
& World Report, 2017.
Harrisonburg has four distinct seasons with average temperatures ranging from 33F in January to 82F in July.
Snow in the winter and sunshine in the summer mean residents have a little of everything.
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PROCESS
of Candidacy
If, after reading this Opportunity Profile, you sense that the gifts and experience
God has given you are an initially good match for Redeemer Classical School,
we invite you to begin the inquiry process. We handle all candidate information
and conversations confidentially. You may contact Laura Coverstone at any
stage of the process for more information and to ask questions (see contact
information below).
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW:
• A current resume or CV.
• Responses to the following questions:
1. Please share your Statement of Faith and Christian Testimony
2. Using what you have learned about Redeemer Classical School
from the Redeemer website, this Opportunity Profile, and any other
research you have conducted, describe how your life and career
have prepared you to lead and grow Redeemer.
• Provide the names and contact information (telephone numbers and
email addresses) for four references who know you and your career well
enough to comment on your suitability for the Head of School position
at Redeemer Classical School. (References will only be contacted after
we have requested and received your permission to do so.)
SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION IN MICROSOFT WORD (.DOC)
Laura Coverstone
JobfitMatters
resumes@simainternational.com
Phone: (615) 261-4623
In the subject line of the email, please write “Redeemer Head of School”.