THE ACADEMY HEAD OF SCHOOL - Berkeley, California Start Date: July 1, 2021 theacademyschool.org
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THE ACADEMY Berkeley, California HEAD OF SCHOOL Start Date: July 1, 2021 theacademyschool.org
Mission
The Academy’s mission is to develop thoughtful, ambitious, and deep learners. We
honor our students’ individuality while cultivating their sense of integrity, their respect
for others, and their commitment to service in a global society.
Educational Philosophy
Rigorous academics supported by small class sizes and expert teachers who utilize
the Socratic method in their classrooms.
OVERVIEW
The Academy is a unique independent school in Berkeley, California for students in grades K-8 with
an advanced academic curriculum and a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. For
over 50 years, The Academy’s mission has been to develop thoughtful, ambitious, and deep learners
in a warm and supportive community.
The head of school position presents an exceptional opportunity for an educational leader who is ready
to lead a pioneering school and its dedicated faculty and staff. At a total size of fewer than 120 students
and class sizes of fewer than 15 students, The Academy has been a ‘microschool’ for decades—long
before the idea became popular. The school’s small size encourages close bonds between students
within and across grade levels and enables the faculty to work individually with students towards
mastery learning.
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Fast Facts
Founded: 1969
Grades served: K-8
Target students per class in Lower School: 12
Target students per class in Upper School: 15
Total enrollment: 114
Students of color: 62% (2020-21 school year)
Faculty holding advanced degrees in their field: 67%
THE SCHOOL
Situated on a quiet, tree-lined street in the Elmwood District, The Academy is located six blocks
southeast of the University of California, Berkeley campus. The school’s campus consists of a main
building, which houses the classrooms and the school office, a playground and side yard, and a front
courtyard and garden. The main building is a Berkeley traditional brown-shingle known as the “Edwards
House” designed by Ernest Coxhead in 1903. The school has called the Edwards House home for
more than 45 years.
The Academy proudly offers students a rigorous, advanced academic education in a diverse, nurturing
environment. Teachers approach students with respect and ensure that each student is known,
valued, and appreciated for their unique gifts. Academy students develop depth of knowledge and
self-awareness about the process of learning. Fueled by outstanding academic preparation, students
internalize a sense of ethical responsibility as global citizens.
The school’s small size encourages close bonds between students within and across grade levels.
Individuality is valued, and students are appreciated for who they are. Parents and teachers are proud
that there is no “typical” Academy student. Graduates from the eighth grade are sought by selective
high schools and excel there and beyond.
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ACADEMICS
The cornerstone of an Academy education is the rigorous academic program. In addition to maintaining
high expectations for student achievement, teachers at The Academy teach content about a year
ahead of the state standards for each grade level. Much of the curricular content is spiraled throughout
the school year and across grade levels, resulting in an excellent foundation of concept mastery.
The Academy is committed to small class sizes because individualized attention from expert teachers
is the best way for students to learn. The intimate environment allows students to flourish as citizens
of their classroom and members of the community. Thanks to small class sizes, teachers also have
the ability to assess each student’s understanding on a continual basis and to differentiate instruction
accordingly. If a student needs extra support—or extra challenge—needs are identified and addressed
quickly, giving each student the individual attention needed for success.
In vibrant classrooms, teachers use the Socratic, or Constructivist, approach which employs an interplay
of questions-hypothesis-answer-refinement-explanation that is a crucial element of learning. Teachers
listen carefully to each answer, question again, and make certain the answers are supported by evidence
and logic. Each student constructs knowledge based on experience, evidence, and the input of other
students. This method allows students to develop a sense of ownership in their knowledge and beliefs,
and gain confidence in their abilities to solve problems of ever-increasing complexity.
Lower School (Grades K-5)
From Kindergarten through fifth grade, each grade level is comprised of one class and one core teacher.
Intimate classrooms and skilled teachers ensure that each and every student has their social and
emotional needs validated and met, and that their intellectual horizons are ever-expanding.
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In addition to the instruction they receive from core teachers in reading, writing, mathematics, and social
studies, students in the Lower School have the opportunity to delve deeply into science, art, music,
physical education, and French, all led by talented specialist teachers. These programs are indicative
of The Academy’s commitment to a well-rounded education for students, paying particular attention to
nurturing their creative and explorative capacities, and encouraging good health and a sense of fun.
Upper School (Grades 6-8)
The Upper School (grades 6-8) is built on the evidence and belief that students at this age represent a
distinct developmental stage. During these years, a great deal of personal and intellectual growth takes
place. Passionate teachers guide students through their intellectual journeys in small classrooms that
allow for the development and expression of individual ideas.
Students in the Upper School continue to challenge themselves as scholars while expanding their
conception of their place in the wider world. Each subject is taught by a specialist teacher, and Upper
School students move from classroom to classroom in their pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. In
addition to the traditional subjects—history, mathematics, English, and science (including coding and
engineering—students also gain exposure to art history and studio art, music, Latin, French, and
physical education. Transitioning between classes, increased academic expectations, and project-
based and service-oriented learning help to prepare students for their lives beyond The Academy.
Rigorous academics combine with careful mentorship to ensure that each student is prepared for high
school emotionally and intellectually.
The Academy also offers students the opportunity to learn and be challenged in different environments.
They study field science through extended trips to the Marin Headlands or Yosemite National Park,
deepen their knowledge of American history through visiting Washington, D.C., and broaden their
understanding of culture and language through traveling to various countries.
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High School and
College Placement
Students have a wide range of
choices after The Academy. The
faculty and staff are committed to
providing all of the information and
support necessary for students to
choose the high school (and later,
college) that best reflects their talents
and goals.
Selection of high schools attended by
Academy graduates:
Bentley School
Bishop O’Dowd High School
College Preparatory School
Head-Royce School
Lick-Wilmerding High School
Marin Academy
Maybeck High School
Phillips Exeter
Saint Mary’s School CLASSICAL EDUCATION
San Francisco University High
School The Academy offers students a classical education,
preparing them for a life of intellectual and civic
Selection of colleges attended by engagement through high level training in multiple
Academy graduates: disciplines. Students are also encouraged to acquire an
appreciation of interdisciplinary connections, deepening
Harvey-Mudd College their understanding of any single subject through
New York University grasping its relation to others, and to the larger world. In
Pomona College mastering mathematics, for instance, 8th graders design
Stanford University and execute engineering projects and learn coding as an
University of California, Berkeley instance of mathematics in action.
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago An intimate knowledge of other languages and cultures
Yale University comprises an essential element of an Academy education,
as embodied in the exceptional language program.
Students study French beginning in Kindergarten
and continuing through 8th grade, preparing them for
advanced level French in high school, and broadening
their awareness of the diversity of francophone culture in
Africa, the Caribbean, and across the world. In addition,
students study Latin in grades 6-8, deepening their
understanding of the Classical world as well as of the
linguistic roots of the romance languages and of English
itself.
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THE ARTS
Visual arts in Lower School focuses on teaching the basic principles of art through a wide variety of
projects. Students experiment with materials, express themselves creatively, learn from their mistakes,
and reflect on and appreciate the beauty of their own artwork. They also learn to appreciate the historical
and cultural aspects of art. Opportunities for field trips are plentiful, as there are many wonderful art
museums near The Academy.
The Upper School art program encourages inventive thinking and personal expression through
exploration of art history and studio art. Students view, experience, and ponder works of art from
prehistory through ancient Greece into the present day, building their abilities to understand, interpret,
and appreciate art. As they gather information gleaned from the world around them, they make
meaningful connections to areas of study in art history by applying similar art-making techniques to
their own practice in studio art.
All Lower School students study music. In the early grades (K-2), the music program focuses deeply on
experiential learning. Through games, guided play, dance, and other structured activities, students are
encouraged to find their voices, to develop their aural skills, and to respond to music with their bodies.
In the upper grades (3-5), the focus is still primarily on making music, both vocally and instrumentally,
with students taking on increasingly complex and challenging repertoire. Formal theory instruction and
music history are increasingly integrated into the program.
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BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
Nestled on the east shore of San Francisco, Berkeley is home to around 121,600 people and a hub for
arts, culture, ad food lovers. It is a spirited city, famous for being the counter-culture center of the 60s
and evolving into a culinary and cultural destination with a green soul.
The city has many parks and promotes the development and maintenance of green spaces. It is a
leader in a nationwide effort to re-tree urban areas, and in heavily involved in environmental causes.
Tilden Regional Park lies east of the city and features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. The
Berkeley Marina and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park are also popular areas to enjoy time outside.
Vibrant cultural and culinary possibilities abound in Berkeley. The Chilean-American La Pena Cultural
Center celebrates traditions through artists and musical performances. The Tony Award-winning
Berkeley Repertory Theatre hosts dozens of shows annually in its three-theatre downtown complex.
Many local restaurants specialize in local and sustainable food, and with over 350 to choose from
citywide, there is no shortage of options.
Berkeley is also home to the oldest campus in the University of California system, the University of
California Berkeley. Telegraph Avenue, running through the midst of the historic downtown district of
Oakland, ends at the southern edge of campus and a four-block section referred to as “Telegraph” is
home to many restaurants, bookstores, clothing shops, and street vendors.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The school community seeks a head of school who models intellectual curiosity and a commitment
to academic rigor. The ideal candidate would encourage personal development of the children and
professional growth of the faculty and would demonstrate commitment to an advanced curriculum
where the development of critical thought and joyful, intense learning are central goals for the students.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will be inspired by the following priorities:
Celebrate and Sustain a Joyful Community of Learners: The new head of school will join a warm
and nurturing community. Children bound into the building each morning, eager to connect with their
teachers and friends; parents find a sense of community with one another; and faculty work in an
environment of mutual respect and accountability. The head will appreciate and build upon a culture
that encourages curiosity and depth of knowledge and produces graduates with a sense of ethical
responsibility to each other and to the community.
Embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Academy is an inclusive community that innately
honors ethnic, racial, and socio-economic diversity. Faculty, staff, and families at The Academy embrace
the school’s diversity and its strong, vibrant community. The new head will also be committed to these
values and will work to implement strategic practices that ensure The Academy’s continued ability to
build a diverse and equitable community.
Support and Develop Faculty: The ideal head for The Academy will value the opportunity to connect
with the extraordinary members of the faculty and honor their myriad contributions to the school. The
new head of school will strengthen the school’s systems and practices to ensure that faculty members
have access to the professional development they need. The new head will encourage reflective
dialogue within the faculty to align the curriculum vertically and horizontally. Attracting and retaining the
CARNEYSANDOE.COM 9most qualified teachers and staff will require the new head of school and the board to collaborate on
issues of salary, benefits, and overall compensation.
Develop a Strategic Plan: The new head will welcome opportunities to collaborate with the Board of
Trustees and the wider school community to set the school’s long-term strategic direction. Opportunities
include maintaining admissions with effective marketing strategies, establishing long term site security,
and securing the school’s financial future through an endowment.
Expand the STEM Program: The new head of school will welcome the opportunity to build on the
STEM program and to strive to be the leading STEM program in the East Bay.
TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will
ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:
• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A one-page statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice;
• A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of
each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:
Karen Whitaker Nora Malone
Search Consultant Search Consultant
karen.whitaker@carneysandoe.com nora.malone@carneysandoe.com
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