The Sagemont School Weston, Florida Head of School July 1, 2017 www.sagemont.com
The Position The Sagemont School seeks a Head of School to lead a diverse and tight-knit community of students, faculty, and staff, located on two campuses in Weston, Florida. This is an opportunity for an individual with strong leadership skills, financial and budgetary acumen, and a commitment to Sagemont’s spirit of diversity to usher the school into its third decade of growth.
Mission Sagemont is committed to delivering a high quality, college-preparatory preschool through 12th grade education in a technologically-rich, supportive, and culturally-diverse learning community. Guiding Principles: • Students will develop and apply a solid academic foundation. • High academic expectations are held for each student. • Commitment to differentiated instruction to maximize student learning. • Clearly defined extracurricular and school-related activities, as well as community service opportunities. • Technology is meaningfully integrated into the curriculum. • Each student’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs are met. • A safe predictable environment promotes student success in learning. • Instilling responsibility and respect for oneself, each other and the environment will help students develop into valuable members of the community. • We are a community of learners uniting students, parents, and teachers. • We embrace cultural diversity.
The new Head of School will serve as a visible presence on both the Lower and Upper School campuses and in the community, where he or she will work to further enhance the school’s reputation, creating a strong sense of Sagemont spirit and a recognizable identity for this excellent school. In addition, the new Head of School will work in concert with Nobel Learning Communities Inc., leveraging the power of their network into the daily operations of Sagemont and drawing on the resources available to create a vision for Sagemont moving forward.
School History Sagemont was founded in 1996 as a private elementary school. In 2000, it expanded to serve middle and high school students, opening a second campus and growing a robust college-preparatory curriculum. In the past two decades, the Sagemont student body has grown from 23 students to more than 800 and been recognized in the community as an excellent choice for families: in 2016, Sagemont was named the Best Private School by Our City of Weston Magazine readers.
The School Sagemont serves approximately 800 students in preschool through grade 12, operating on two campuses in Weston, Florida. One of the premier private schools in South Florida, Sagemont is known for its outstanding college-preparatory program, which emphasizes a balanced mixture of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities to foster student success. Sagemont describes itself as a “small school by design,” featuring an average class size of 18 and a tight-knit community of teachers and learners. Another distinguishing feature of Sagemont is its diverse community. Thanks to a
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robust ELL program and homestay partnership, over 60 countries are represented within the student body, and parents and faculty alike praise Sagemont’s warm and welcoming environment. A select percentage of families receive both need and merit-based financial aid.
Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. Sagemont is one of more than 200 schools within NLCI, a network of private schools across the U.S. united by a shared mission to offer the highest caliber of private education to students in preschool through grade 12. This national network provides Sagemont with access to centralized curriculum support from experts in instruction, assessment, and standards-based learning. NLCI provides professional development along with tools and technologies that enable teachers to do their best work. Affiliation with NLCI helps schools provide students with an excellent educational experience, while also giving each individual institution the autonomy to serve the needs of their local communities.
Academics Sagemont boasts a respected college preparatory program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The instructional program is aligned with the principle of student-centered learning: each individual is part of a community of learners in which he or she is both challenged by a rigorous academic environment and supported through small class sizes and differentiated instruction. This approach prepares students to develop a strong academic foundation which will ultimately help them to excel in both standardized testing and the college admissions process. Sagemont’s academic course of study is further distinguished by two unique programs. The first, Mountain Peak Academy, offers specialized curriculum for students with diagnosed learning challenges. Sagemont’s emphasis on supporting students with learning differences is one of the The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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qualities that sets it apart. The second program that makes Sagemont unique is the school’s ELL and International Student Program, which serves non-native English speakers at all grade levels, ultimately preparing high schoolers to flourish in an American collegiate environment. Members of both of these groups benefit from a blended approach: students learn through interactions with peers in mainstream classes while also benefiting from individualized instruction in target areas. Throughout grade levels, Sagemont is committed to teaching 21st century skills through the integration of technology in classroom learning. At the early childhood and elementary levels, this is evidenced by the integration of iPads and beginning in grade 5, all students are required to own a standard tablet/laptop to be used in classes and on individual assignments. In this way and others, Sagemont offers a technologically enriched environment that supports blended learning. Through the use of laptops/tablets and digital texts, teachers in the middle and high school aim to provide differentiated, engaging, and interactive lessons and furnish students with the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world—goals toward which Sagemont will continue to strive under the new Head of School’s leadership.
Early Childhood Sagemont’s early childhood program draws on curriculum guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children in order to create positive learning atmospheres that combine challenge and support. Teachers work to foster social and emotional growth along with cognitive development, and classrooms are divided into tailor-made learning areas, each of which promotes a particular kind of inquiry. Sagemont offers families the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK), in which state-funded, half-day schooling is made available to members of the Weston community without tuition fees.
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Elementary School Sagemont’s elementary program is characterized by student-centered learning in which a combination of student activities and teacher instruction allow for maximum academic growth. Through both individual and small group work, Sagemont students formulate ideas, develop creativity, and become active and enthusiastic learners. The elementary curriculum adheres to Sagemont Standards, a set of guidelines based on both national and state requirements; students study language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, the arts, physical education, and foreign languages. Within the foreign language department, Sagemont offers both Spanish for Spanish speakers and for NonSpanish speakers in order to tailor instruction to students’ abilities. While differentiated instruction is a feature of every Sagemont classroom, pull-out enrichment is offered to grades 3-5 to allow students to learn to their fullest potential.
Middle School At Sagemont, middle school students develop critical thinking and expressive skills, learning to speak, write, and present information in a variety of formats. In English, students build critical reading and writing skills and work to expand their vocabularies; in mathematics, they develop problemsolving and algebraic skills while practicing real-world applications. The science curriculum exposes students to the fundamentals of earth, life, and physical science: by the 8th grade, students conduct experiments and literature reviews in order to dig deeper into key areas. The social studies curriculum broadens students’ horizons, from the 6th grade civics class in which students explore what it means to be citizens of a democracy, to the 7th grade World and American History offerings. In addition to these core courses, the middle school provides multiple levels of Spanish and French study, a slate of drama and musical electives, and requires students to enroll in health and physical education. For those students who demonstrate a blossoming command of in-depth, higher-order thinking and inference, advanced courses are offered in some subjects. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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College Acceptances The following is a partial list of schools to which Sagemont students have been accepted: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
American University Boston College Boston University Carnegie Mellon University Colby College Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University Duke University Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Georgetown University Harvard University High Point University Johns Hopkins University Lehigh University Marist College Michigan State University New York University Northwestern University Ohio State University Princeton University Rice University Rollins College Swarthmore College Syracuse University Texas A&M University Tufts University University of California-San Diego University of Chicago University of Denver University of Florida University of Maryland University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Vassar College Wake Forest University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University
High School Sagemont’s high school curriculum works to build skills and competencies that will prepare students to thrive after Sagemont. Core courses continue to grow students’ capacity for critical thinking and self-expression, key competencies for college-level learning, and electives allow students to discover and develop their passions from Spanish Literature to Rock Music. In 9th through 12th grade, Sagemont offers honors classes along with 17 Advanced Placement courses, providing each student with the optimal combination of challenge and support. Other features of the high school program include a unique career internship program in which students complete placements through community sponsors in order to explore areas of professional interest, this is paired with courses in areas such as entrepreneurship and leadership, psychology, and economics. Since 2011, in keeping with the requirements laid out by the Florida State Board of Education, Sagemont students have chosen one online class to complete as part of their graduation requirements.
College Placement At Sagemont, the college counseling department considers the college placement process to be an extension of students’ learning in which college is match to be made, not a prize to be won. To that end, faculty facilitate self-
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knowledge and reflection that allows students to make informed decisions about their futures, serving as advocates and allies in helping students find their best-match schools. The results of this process are excellent, with a 100% college acceptance rate and a strong record of college admissions to schools around the country including state institutions, small liberal arts colleges, and Ivies. In spring 2016, members of the graduating class were offered more than $5.6 million in merit scholarships.
Arts and Athletics Sagemont boasts a critically acclaimed drama department: beginning in 4th grade, students may explore musical theater, and at the high school level, student productions regularly win awards. To date, Sagemont thespians’ honors include 50 nominations and eight wins from the South Florida Cappies; last year’s production of Chicago, The Musical was recognized in seven areas, including acting, dance, set design, and costuming. However, drama is not the only area in which Sagemont students excel. Through the music department, students may participate in the concert band, rock band, chorus, or percussion ensemble as well as studying keyboard and guitar; in the 2015-2016 school year, several Sagemont musicians were recognized by the Florida Bandmaster’s Association and/or selected for participation in the All County and All State bands. In the realm of the visual arts, Sagemont students begin with an introduction to a variety of media in the lower and middle schools, then have the chance to specialize, delving into drawing, painting, and digital art, with the most advanced students diving into college-level study by way of the AP Portfolio classes. Throughout their experience at Sagemont, students may pursue their artistic passions at a variety of levels: from the novice actor to the experienced musician, Sagemont provides an environment in which creativity can thrive. In addition to a vibrant arts curriculum, the Sagemont experience includes participation in a comprehensive athletic program. Physical education begins in early childhood. Later, older lower school students can compete in soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Then, in the upper school, the
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school boasts a full selection of interscholastic athletic offerings across three seasons. The athletic program is overseen by an administrative team with a combined 65 years in education. Over the past two decades, Sagemont athletes have won 16 state championships at the individual and team level.
School Life In all aspects of school life, Sagemont students are involved, in a large selection of clubs and activities that go beyond academics, arts, and athletics. Lower school students may participate in afterschool Kids’ Clubs; in the upper school, there are more than two dozen extracurricular offerings such as chess club, anime and manga club, and a student service organization. With 86% of middle and upper school students participating in at least one sport or club during the 2015-2016 school year, Sagemont is making strides towards the goal of one-hundred percent participation. Whether students are serving as part of the active student government or taking part in environment club, robotics, or ultimate Frisbee, Sagemont is firm in its belief that students grow as people and as learners by engaging with their passions. Another feature of the upper school is a wide range of honor societies to recognize excellence in scholarship, leadership, character, service, and citizenship, values that define Sagemont’s commitment to educating the whole student. Indeed, across the two campuses, Sagemont is united in its commitment to a community of caring. In January of 2016, Sagemont completed the Great Kindness Challenge, joining with thousands of schools worldwide in committing to 15,000 acts of kindness over the course of a single week. This kind of initiative illustrates a more ongoing commitment to bettering the community. All Sagemont students take part in service of some kind: in the lower school, each grade partners with a community organization for year-long support and learning, and in the upper school, students participate in a still-wider variety of community service projects. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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Physical Campus Sagemont Lower and Upper Schools occupy two separate campuses. The facilities, which are located five miles from one another, each features a gymnasium; the upper school campus also includes a 10,000 square-foot visual and performing arts facility completed in 2014, with a Black Box Theatre that seats 150, art and music classrooms, and state-of-the-art sound equipment. The new STEAM lab located at the upper school campus helps to cultivate, integrate and apply 21st century science, technology, engineering arts and mathematics skills.
Weston, Florida The city of Weston is a culturally diverse, master-planned community of 68,000 residents. Listed among Money Magazine’s top ten small cities 2016 and, in 2015, Family Circle’s Top Ten Best Towns for Families, Weston is a safe, family-oriented city with excellent recreational and outdoor spaces, including plentiful bike paths and parks. With a mix of residential and commercial property, Weston offers shopping, restaurants, and culture in addition to a strong public school system and the lowest crime rate in Broward County. The city of Weston is located on the edge of the Everglades, within commuting distance of both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The Atlantic Ocean—and the beach—is just 25 miles to the east.
Strengths of the School • A uniquely supportive and caring family-like multicultural environment The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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• Mission of the school, commitment to delivering college preparatory education from PreK-12th grade • Every member of the faculty and staff is mission guided • Low student-faculty ratio and individual attention • Open communication between administrators, teachers, and parents • Sense of community and family atmosphere, instilling responsibility and respect in and for each member for the school community
Opportunities and Challenges for the Next Head of School • The new leader will be responsible for internal partnership building with specific attention to joining both of multicultural campuses into a single entity. • Weston area schools are highly competitive and will require the new leader to endorse and participate in the continued professional development of staff and faculty and larger community partnerships. • Continue to focus on Sagemont’s Mission. • Continue to recruit, retain, and compensate the finest faculty and staff. • Ensure high standards and a consistently strong academic program. • Market the strengths of the School to expand enrollment and enhance reputation. • Foster community and develop a culture of integrity and trust. • Advance the academic program incorporating the most current educational research, 21st century teaching, and learning strategies. • Continue to expand professional development for faculty and staff. • Encourage and mentor an effective, cohesive administrative team. • Continue to create a diverse and inclusive school community.
Desired Qualities of the Next Head of School The Head of School is the chief executive officer of the school, reporting to the Executive Director for NLCI. Sagemont is seeking an experienced PK-Grade 12 school manager who will be the visionary and inspirational leader of the school. He/she will be an advocate of 21st century best practices and teaching methods and a capable team builder. He/she will have successfully managed mangers and have demonstrated financial acumen with developed budgetary and analysis skills, as well as facilities management and marketing abilities. While a doctorate and bilingualism in Spanish would be highly desired, a master’s degree is required.
Professional qualifications: • Experience in teaching and a record of success in leadership and administrative roles • A demonstrated depth of knowledge in the field of educating students at all levels, K-12 • A deep understanding of cognitive variations • Good manager, collaborative leader, inspires/empowers administrators and teachers, students, and parents • The ability to manage the educational, business, and external relations of the school effectively • A graduate degree in education or related field Personal qualifications: • A passion for educating a diverse community of students The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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• • • • • • •
Articulate, open, and honest communicator Empathy for students and their families The abilities to communicate well to all constituencies Exceptional interpersonal skills, relates well to all constituencies Approachable, friendly, personable, and caring An innovative thinker with a vision for the School’s future A seasoned administrator who is able to both manage effectively and leverage the resources of the school to fulfill its mission • Someone with a long term vision for the School and the ability to implement that vision in conjunction with Senior Leadership
To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials: • • • •
A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position A current résumé A one-page statement of educational philosophy and practice A list of five (5) professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each to:
Tom Plihcik Senior Search Consultant tom.plihcik@carneysandoe.com
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