ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS: ACSI & WASC

STUDENT BODY: 430

Meet Horizon Prep

Horizon Prep, a college preparatory school and ministry of Horizon Church, exists to serve students by preparing spiritually mature, academically advanced, physically equipped, and socially developed lifelong learners. Whether seeking a college degree, serving in the mission field, or pursuing a vocational route, our students are prepared for a life of opportunity and service to God and others.

Horizon Prep first opened its doors in 2000 as Horizon Christian Preschool, a ministry of Horizon Church, in North County San Diego, California. With a heart to provide an academically excellent and biblically based education to the community, Horizon Church, under the leadership of Pastor Bob Botsford, prayerfully and boldly continued to expand Horizon Prep. The Lord proved faithful as He both paved the way and provided vision and resources to bring Horizon Prep to where it is today. By 2003, the Horizon campus grew to include an additional 20 acres of land, and with that additional space came additional classrooms, more grades, athletic facilities, and a greater educational impact. Today, Horizon Prep serves approximately 400 students with a Christ-centered classical education, at every age, Preschool – 12th Grade. 

Horizon Prep is known as a loving, nurturing environment with high academic standards. With standardized test scores in the top 97th percentile nationwide, Horizon Prep students not only receive instruction in core subjects, but in Latin, Spanish, Bible, Art, Music, Library, Technology and Physical Education as well. At Horizon Prep, we offer indoor volleyball, sand volleyball, football, basketball, track, cross country, tennis, and golf. 

At Horizon, we believe that the best is yet to come! We are committed to prayerfully and faithfully pouring into students at every age. Whether shaping little hearts for Jesus in the Early Education program, or preparing students’ minds, hearts, bodies, and souls through the Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric schools. As we continue to encourage a new generation of world changers for Christ through the current classes and programs, we are also creatively and steadily continuing to grow at Horizon Prep. We have recently completed an administration and classroom building which will increase our potential enrollment to 700, and built out our sports field, which includes 6 tennis courts, pickleball courts, a putting green, sand volleyball courts, a soccer field, and a football field. We are currently in the planning process of constructing a chapel, which is the final building in our master plan.

About the Head of Schools

The Head of Schools (HOS) provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Horizon Prep, ensuring the fulfillment of its mission through effective management of people, programs, and resources. 

The HOS functions as a leader of leaders—mentoring and empowering principals and administrative staff to carry out their responsibilities with excellence. The HOS ensures that communication and problem-solving occur at the appropriate levels, engaging directly when additional guidance or resolution is required. 

The Head of Schools reports to the Operations Team under the direction of the Senior Pastor, working collaboratively to align Horizon Prep’s goals, culture, and ministry impact with the broader mission of Horizon Church. As a leader of a church ministry, the HOS is expected to be an active participant and attend Horizon Church, modeling spiritual leadership and unity within the community. 

Appointment Year: 2026-2027

The Head of Schools’ responsibilities include:

Vision/Mission Stewardship

• Cultivate unity and collaboration in mission between Horizon Prep and Horizon Church.
• Owns and passionately communicates the vision and mission to all stakeholders and to the surrounding community.
• Inspires positive cultural growth and corrects negative cultural trends.
• Loves learning and pursues the effective implementation of a classically based education.

Institutional & Academic Leadership

• Ensure that appropriate classically based academics and learning are in place for HP graduates to consistently gain entrance into quality universities.
• Actively supports faculty and ensures that they have adequate resources.
• Develops and implements the organizational structure, processes, and systems of accountability that allow for effective leadership and administration of Horizon Prep.
• Maintains an organizational culture that promotes college preparation for all students.
• Ensures that Horizon Prep meets or exceeds ongoing accreditation standards.
• Fosters a dynamic and positive work environment to attract and retain quality faculty and staff.

Personnel Leadership

• Maintains a strong culture of unity and cross-collaboration with other Horizon Church ministries.
• Recruits and retains excellent faculty and staff.
• Oversees professional development of direct reports.
• Oversees the implementation of the evaluative process to facilitate encouragement and growth.
• Develops and maintains a succession plan for key employees to minimize transition risk.

Student/Family Recruitment & Retention

• Strengthens enrollment to fill existing capacity and expand the pipeline of new applicants.
• Consistently strategizes new means for attracting students to widen the pool of prospective students and recruit families.
• Ensures meaningful engagement throughout a family’s time at Horizon Prep; listens and responds to concerns and suggestions in a timely and respectful manner.

Internal/External Communication

• Champion the established Horizon Prep vision and values set forth by the Senior Pastor in internal and external communication.
• Effectively markets Horizon Prep’s story and value to all stakeholders, prospective students, donors, colleges & universities, and the broader community.
• Builds relationships with key individuals to strengthen Horizon Prep’s ties to the community.
• Provides direction for marketing strategy (e.g. website, brochures, etc.).

Advancement 

• Oversee strategic efforts in marketing, recruitment, special projects, and development that strengthen Horizon Prep’s mission and long-term sustainability. 
• Lead marketing and communication initiatives to promote the school’s vision and values with brand consistency and excellence. 
• Direct student recruitment and retention strategies in partnership with admissions and community partners. 
• Guide special projects that advance institutional goals and foster innovation. 
• Cultivate and steward authentic relationships with donors, alumni, and community stakeholders. Approach development with discernment, recognizing that many in our community are often asked to contribute, and prioritize gratitude, connection, and partnership over solicitation. 

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Head of Schools:

Education

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Education/Educational Leadership or equivalent; Doctorate Preferred
• Degree in Education, Business or similar function preferred.

Experience

• Prior school administration experience preferred.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Prior budget responsibility preferred.

Skills

• Broad knowledge of educational administration, curriculum, instruction and student development theory and programming.
• Supportive of the Classical Christian Education model.

Professional Certifications

• Credential Administrator with WASC/ACSI required (or equivalent and able to obtain).

What it’s like to live in San Diego, CA

San Diego offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, a mild and inviting climate, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an extraordinary place to call home. With its picturesque coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean, residents of San Diego can enjoy beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and a plethora of outdoor activities year-round. Whether it’s surfing at Pacific Beach, hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, or simply strolling along the iconic Balboa Park, the city provides an abundance of recreational options that cater to a diverse range of interests.

Beyond its natural allure, San Diego boasts a thriving cultural landscape. The city is home to world-class museums, including the renowned San Diego Museum of Art and the USS Midway Museum, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to explore history, art, and science. The diverse neighborhoods in San Diego also contribute to its charm, with unique communities like Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, and La Jolla, each offering distinctive atmospheres, culinary experiences, and local events. Additionally, the city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a laid-back lifestyle creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, making San Diego a truly exceptional place to live.