A Distinctive PK-5 School 

Founded in 2001, Waterside School is an extraordinary place, unlike any other school serving  Fairfield County..  Its annual giving, which raises an average of $4 million a year, and its $59M endowment provide financial resources to the school that are remarkable.  Consistent with the school’s mission to serve children of promise and families of character regardless of limitations in income or circumstance, 100% of the students at Waterside receive substantial financial aid, with 93% of the school’s operating funds coming from charitable donations and the endowment.   

Waterside is located in a rapidly developing area of Stamford, Connecticut, a growing suburb of New York City bordered by the picturesque Long Island Sound.  The majority of students reside in Stamford, and 90% of the students identify as Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, or multiracial.  The school is housed in a beautiful, thoughtfully designed building that opened in 2011.  Graduates from Waterside go on to attend the top independent middle and upper schools in the area.     

An Outstanding Leadership Opportunity
Educators Collaborative is proud to partner with Waterside School as it seeks a visionary leader and passionate educator to step into the challenging role of Head of School. The school takes great pride in nurturing an environment that is compassionate and rigorous, joyful and disciplined, and intentionally develops head, heart, and spirit. An individual who brings experience, energy, integrity, intellect, inspiration, and an innovative spirit will thrive and find success in the Waterside School community. 

You can learn more about this exciting leadership opportunity by reading our Information for Candidates and apply, here.  Please direct any and all inquiries to George Sanderson, Partner, Educators Collaborative, at gsanderson@educatorscollaborative.com

The ideal candidates will possess many of the following skills and attributes:

• A commitment to a confident leadership style that includes empowering and inspiring others, working in partnership, and holding people accountable in ways that support continued professional and personal growth 
• Proficient understanding of strategic financial sustainability, budget development, fundraising, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and enrollment management
• Demonstrated success both in the classroom and in leadership roles, preferably in elementary school settings, as well as a track record of demonstrating excellence in teaching standards and practices.
• The capacity to facilitate inclusive dialogue, make difficult decisions, have courageous conversations, and build trust
• Thoughtful, respectful words and actions that reflect a depth of self-knowledge, humility, and commitment to the mission of the School
• Demonstrated evidence of cultural competency and documented success in recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff
• A deep love for early childhood and elementary school students, an earnest belief in rigorous and joyful learning, and unbridled enthusiasm for the School’s compelling mission of guiding students to do and be their best
• An inspiring verbal and written communicator who is highly visible, warm, personable, transparent, and approachable, and who listens deeply to all community members while taking the time to understand the culture and history of Waterside School
• A visionary builder who can think strategically in partnership with a talented Board. The next Head of School will be an individual who can identify needed change, develop the vision and supporting plan to achieve such change, and effectively lead and capably execute plans to bring initiatives to fruition, while managing community expectations and the impact of change
• Charismatic and skilled in building relationships within and beyond the Waterside School community, generating excitement about the School’s mission to instill academic excellence and character development in its students

About Waterside School Inc

Founded on the premise that all children deserve a high-quality education, Waterside School is a PK-5th grade independent school in Stamford, Connecticut serving children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance. Inspiring students of academic promise and families deeply invested in their children’s success, Waterside provides a transformational school experience: through a rigorous program of study and character education, the school empowers its students with the knowledge, skills, and virtues required to excel as scholars; gain access to superior academic opportunities; and become the leaders of tomorrow. Each morning, students proclaim, “Today, we promise to work hard, be kind, and respect learning.” Everyone affiliated with Waterside is driven by a culture of high standards, hard work, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Admissions to Waterside changes the trajectory of children’s lives. Founded in 2001, the school currently serves 150 students, 91% of color, and almost entirely from families with limited financial means. Waterside was designed to provide a direct path for admission to the area’s most competitive independent schools. It holds ...a mandatory five-week summer school and provides extensive programming for alumni to ensure they are college and career ready; 93% of Waterside’s graduates have earned admission to leading colleges and universities. Waterside currently operates on an annual budget of approximately $4M and has an endowment of $46M. Waterside families pay only what they can afford; tuition revenues account for 7% of the School’s budget.

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Connections working at Waterside School Inc