Founding Principal

Company: Choice Schools
Location: Midland
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Founders Grove Classical Academy is a Hillsdale College Curriculum School. Founding Principal (K-5) ABOUT US Founders Grove Classical Academy is a tuition-free public school that educates students through a virtues-based tradition of American classical education. The classical curriculum is time-tested, research-based, and proven to develop children into thoughtful, caring, educated, and freethinking young adults. The program emphasizes education in the humanities, sciences, and arts, while integrating Latin to promote deeper learning. Founded by dedicated families and community leaders, Founders Grove partners with parents in the moral and intellectual development of students. We believe education should nourish both the mind and the soul, preparing students for academic success while cultivating a lifelong love of learning and inspiring a sense of wonder. Founders Grove will enroll students in kindergarten through 5th grade for the 2026-27 school year. We are seeking a mission-aligned leader to join us ahead of the school's opening to help build its culture, systems, and instructional team from the ground up. ROLE SUMMARY The Founding Principal will be responsible for launching and leading the new K-5 classical academy, aiming to expand into a K-12 school by fall 2033. This role emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and civic virtue, ensuring the school's mission is integrated into daily operations, educational programs, and community partnerships. The Principal will oversee various aspects of campus growth while fostering a thriving school culture, with support from the superintendent, management organization, and school board. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Articulate and uphold the school's mission, ensuring that all academic, cultural, and operational decisions reflect classical principles and the core virtues of Founders Grove Classical Academy. Hire, coach, and retain outstanding faculty who are passionate about classical education and dedicated to continuous growth. Promote instructional excellence through regular classroom observations, data-informed coaching, and intentional professional development. Foster a school culture rooted in order, respect, and joy, where students are known and held to high standards of behavior and virtue. Oversee the implementation of a rich, content-driven curriculum, ensuring adherence to classical methodology and alignment with state standards. Leverage assessment data to inform instruction and enhance student learning, particularly in core subject areas. Build strong, trusting relationships with families that promote active parent partnership in students' moral and academic formation. Develop and implement clear systems for student discipline, attendance, academic support, and school operations. Serve as the public face of the school, building positive relationships with community members, authorizers, and supporters. Lead the planning and logistics for the school opening in partnership with the management team, including setting up facilities, onboarding staff, and managing initial student enrollment. Ensure compliance with all state and authorizer requirements, including accountability metrics, special education regulations, and safety protocols. Collaborate with the superintendent and the central office team on budgeting, staffing, and long-term strategic planning. Demonstrate personal integrity and professional excellence by holding yourself and others to high expectations in service of the school's mission. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR A broad understanding and profound admiration of the classical liberal arts. Demonstrated experience in K-12 classical education is preferred. Experience in instructional leadership and a preference for candidates who have previously held leadership roles in charter schools. A strong desire to attain exceptional results in the pursuit of excellence for students. Demonstrates a strong ability to build relationships, lead collaboratively, and develop a team while supporting the growth and well-being of its members. An entrepreneurial mindset combined with the resilience and flexibility to build a school from the ground up. Michigan School Administrator Certification (or willingness to pursue). Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. WHY JOIN FOUNDERS GROVE? Help develop a school that embodies your passion for classical education and the values and vision it represents. Join a dedicated team that values the partnership between school and family. Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) match, and support for professional development. Compensation & Benefits Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a comprehensive benefits plan, which includes healthcare, a competitive 401(k) plan, professional development, and more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers -choice-experience/ Please contact recruiting@choiceschools.com with any questions. Working for Choice Schools Associates Founders Grove Classical Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive educational service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored operational support for schools. Similar to a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in several critical areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum development, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment management. As part of the Choice Schools Classical Model, Founders Grove Classical Academy will form a vibrant learning community, comprising numerous other outstanding classical schools within the state. The Classical Model will offer support and collaboration akin to that of a large district, while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere of a community school in your area. Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. IND100

Keywords: Choice Schools, Kentwood , Founding Principal, Education / Teaching , Midland, Michigan