Membership: ACSI

Location: Palm Springs, CA

The Role: Assistant Principal 

Meet King's Schools:

Founded in 1994, King’s Schools is an independent, non-denominational, evangelical Christian school of 300 students (75 Infant/Toddler/Preschool + 225 K-8) and 45 passionate faculty and staff members dedicated to carrying out our “out with the new, in with the old,” Christ-centered mission. King’s Schools is celebrating 30 years of excellence without elitism, believing every child deserves the opportunity to receive a quality Christian education, and bringing the hope of Jesus to our students and families. The Founders, Don and Shery DeLair, are still the acting Headmaster and Development Director.

Schools:

King’s Schools has established and maintained an outstanding reputation in the community and our students are known for their high level of respect, academic achievements, hard work, public speaking skills, patriotism, service in our community, partnership with local churches, and Christ-likeness. Countless testimonies have been shared in these regards. We are a “throw-back” school that teaches, practices, and cultivates timeless, proven, and refreshing biblical principles and old-school traditions rarely seen, even in the world of Christian education. One of our “signature” traditions practiced since 1994 is our morning flag raising ceremony led by students that includes pledges (American and Christian flags), prayer, singing, and daily motivational comments from the Headmaster that has helped maintain a biblically-based, patriotic, and passionate culture on campus.  

Evidence of our “foot-wide, mile-deep” approach to education is seen in limited class sizes of 25-26 students and providing full-time Teacher Assistants in every K-5 classroom. A full-time Behavioral Therapist will be added to our staff for the 2024-25 school year to provide valuable help for Preschool – 5th students, parents, and teachers. We also offer one-to-one Educational Therapy for qualified Kindergarten and 1st grade students.

King’s Schools is the only local private school with a bus that offers a (free) transportation for students living in the east end of the valley, as well as for student field trips.   

All K-8 students wear either casual uniforms or a dress uniform for special occasions. 

Preschool | We are a team of 14 professional educators who have a love and passion for the youngest of children. Our preschool consists of five classrooms serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Our goal is to provide a nurturing educational environment that reaches every area of a child's development: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and academic. In doing so, we believe that we are providing a solid foundation for each child's future, and we count it an amazing privilege to be an integral member of every student’s village.   

Elementary | The elementary school years represent a time of great growth in knowledge, academic skills, and independence in studies. Students grow academically as they progress from learning to read, to reading to learn, and they develop independence as they become increasingly accountable for their study and organizational habits. Learning occurs in a challenging and affirming environment with appropriate expectations in classrooms that use teaching methods suited for varied learning styles. These years of growth are important for developing a love of studying God’s creation and for building a solid foundation for learning in all areas of life. These skills are wonderfully framed in a biblical perspective.

A traditional academic program that includes Bible, Reading, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science is emphasized. Weekly instruction is also given in Music, Art, Spanish, Computers, and Physical Education. Instruction in all areas challenges students to use their God-given abilities to glorify Him.

Middle | King’s Middle Schools, for grades 6-8, eases students through the transition from Elementary Schools to the demands of High Schools in a safe, nurturing, and Christian environment. The Middle School’s curriculum is content-driven, and by the end of each school year, students are expected to accomplish specific performance goals in each subject.

Although all classrooms are equipped with wireless internet and teachers have iPads/Chromebooks and Apple TV technology to enhance instruction, our middle school returned to all hard-cover books as part of our “out with the new…in with the old” philosophy of education. That transition has definitely accomplished the goals and purposes it was intended to accomplish. 

Our Middle School students participate in a local private school athletic league that offers both boys (flag football, basketball, co-ed soccer) and girls (volleyball, basketball, co-ed soccer) opportunities to compete at a high level.  

The extensive efforts that are put into offering a complete Middle Schools experience result in local high schools actively recruiting our graduating 8th graders. They recognize our students as being well-rounded individuals with strong spiritual convictions, excellent academic preparation, and respectful personalities that make them leaders on their high school campuses. We are VERY proud of our Middle School graduates.

About the Assistant Principal :

King’s Schools, in beautiful Palm Springs, CA, is seeking candidates for a full-time Assistant Principal position beginning July 1, 2024. 

The Assistant Principal serves as a member of the 10 member Administrative Team that shares responsibilities over the Preschool and K-8 programs. Leadership qualities must include a strong commitment to our three pillars of EXCELLENCE, OPPORTUNITY, and HOPE through carrying out administrative duties, providing staff leadership and support, monitoring educational programs, and ensuring a Christian worldview is at the core of all aspects of the school. The Assistant Principal has a specific role of working closely with the Founding Headmaster to ensure the unique mission and vision of King’s Schools is consistently promoted, protected, and preserved for future generations. Consideration can be given to the Assistant Principal in the school’s goal to search for a Successor to the Founding Headmaster in the next 3-5 years.

The Assistant Principal's Responsibilities Include: 

Leadership

• Fosters a Christ-centered culture that promotes spiritual growth and development among students and staff.
• Works cooperatively with an Admin Team to develop ongoing strategic plans and provide visionary leadership to the school community.
• Subscribes to a strong work ethic, high degree of integrity, being a consistent role model, and passionately prepared to promote, protect, and preserve the school’s mission.
• Assists with the recruitment of high-quality school staff, designs and implements robust training programs, and facilitates ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Serves in the lead administrative role in the absence of the Headmaster.

General Responsibilities

• Assists the Headmaster with daily tasks as needed and assigned.
• Serves as the primary resource and support for teachers regarding student discipline.
• Helps carry out various functions related to student activities, special events, and teacher needs.
• Plans and schedules chapel speakers and speaks at chapels occasionally, as well.
• Oversees the King’s Schools WatchDOGS program for dads, uncles, grandfathers – plans special events –coordinates a bi-weekly Men’s Bible Study – provides counsel for men.
• Works with students selected for “Cross On The Hill” scholarships to represent King’s Schools in the community on public speaking assignments.
• Leads efforts related to our “Young Peacemaker” program for all K-8 students.
• Assists with representing King’s Schools at local churches and community events.
• Attends School Board meetings when needed and provides requested reports and updates.
• Oversees the Athletic Director and assists with managing the athletic budget for all middle school sports programs.

Academic Excellence

• Plans, organizes, and directs the operation, activities, and programs of the school.
• Oversees implementation of a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with Christian values.
• Identifies school needs, sets objectives, and develops long and short-range plans for improvement.
• Ensures educational and academic goals are set and met.
• Helps oversee and measure achievement and aptitude related to standardized testing. 
• Ensures high academic standards and student achievement through effective instructional leadership. Performs regular classroom visits to ensure standards are being maintained.
• Helps plan professional and spiritual development opportunities for staff during in-service and start-of-the-year orientation workshops.
• Collaborates with direct reports to set measurable and appropriate personal, spiritual, and professional goals. 
• Assists with managing day-to-day operations of the school, including assigned budgets, resource allocation, and compliance with local, state, and national mandates.
• Provides guidance and counseling to students as needed, in collaboration with parents, teachers, and support staff. 

Community Engagement

• Oversees and plans school spiritual development by obtaining chapel speakers. Speaks at chapels occasionally.
• Emcee’s at musicals, fundraising activities, performances, promotion/graduation, and various special events.
• Cultivates positive relationships with parents, alumni, donors, and community stakeholders to further the relational value of community found at King’s Schools.
• Develops and maintains advertising and good public relations programs with school families, local church ministries, local preschools, and the public.
• Serves as a key face and voice for King’s Schools at community events and activities.

What You Bring: 

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Assistant Principal:     

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and leadership experience (required)
• Master's degree+ (preferred)
• 3-5+ years of educational leadership experience, preferably in a Christian school environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to clearly articulate their faith and be a model of our “distinctively Christian” approach toward education
• Able to communicate effectively through speaking and writing
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Confidence in dealing with school parents and effective at creating mutually supportive relationships

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Passion for God, children, learning, country, and life
• Dedicated to upholding proven biblical principles, traditional values, and supporting our “out with the new, in with the old” philosophy of ministry and education
• Competent at upholding, articulating, and defending the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of King’s Schools
• Demonstrates a servant's heart and Christ-like attitude
• Active in a local church in line doctrinally with King’s Schools

What it's Like to Live in Palm Springs, CA: 

Living in Palm Springs, CA, offers a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle. Nestled in the Coachella Valley, this sunny city boasts beautiful year-round sunny climates (average of 15-20 days of rain annually) and stunning desert landscapes that attract millions of visitors annually. Residents enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains, golfing at premier courses, and relaxing in natural hot springs. The community hosts numerous cultural events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Coachella, Stagecoach, professional golf and tennis tournaments, and, most recently, became the home of the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team.  

Palm Springs has a close-knit community feel with numerous family-friendly amenities, including parks, playgrounds, community pools, and is within 90 minutes of beautiful southern California beaches and mountain skiing resorts. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway are popular family attractions. Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, and Sea World are all major attractions within short driving distances.  

The Coachella Valley has a large variety of evangelical churches in line doctrinally with King’s Schools that offer families a variety of small, medium, and large congregation options depending on their individual preferences.  

With its mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and strong community spirit, Palm Springs is an ideal place for families seeking an active and engaging lifestyle.