Founding Head of School

JRA Academy (Jerusalem, Rome, Athens), a new classical independent school currently in development with plans to open in Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 2027, seeks nominations and applications for its founding Head of School. As a school in its pre-launch phase, JRA Academy represents a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. The founding Head of School will join at the earliest and most consequential stage of the institution's life, shaping its culture, assembling its team, enrolling its first families, and establishing the systems, practices, and traditions that will define the Academy for years to come.

JRA Academy will uphold the timeless ideals of wisdom, character, knowledge, and affordability, seeking to ensure that families have access to an education that aligns with their values. The Academy will provide a rigorous classical education rooted in the Judeo-Christian intellectual tradition, integrating classical learning with a flexible religious component for interested families. Faculty excellence, academic rigor, and a commitment to high moral character will define JRA as it seeks to become a premier institution of classical education. Initially opening as a K-2 school, there is a long-term vision for thoughtful growth and expansion.

The founding Head of School at JRA Academy will serve as the institution's first chief executive and educational leader, responsible for building and launching the Academy in advance of its planned 2027 opening and positioning it for long-term growth.

Working in close coordination with the Board, the Head will carry accountability for the major dimensions of the school's launch and early operation, including academics, faculty and staff recruitment, enrollment, operations, financial stewardship, culture, and community engagement. The Head will partner with the Board and the Thales Academy network to finalize and implement JRA's K–2 academic program and ensure fidelity to the principles and methodologies of classical education and direct instruction.

This is a hands-on founding role requiring both strategic perspective and disciplined execution. The successful candidate will be able to move fluidly between envisioning the future of the Academy and attending to the practical details required to open its doors. They will know when to build, when to adapt, when to make a decision with imperfect information, and when to seek counsel.

The detailed position profile can be found here: https://www.dsgco.com/search/23434-jra-head-of-school/

To Apply

Expressions of interest and nominations are being accepted and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials should include a letter of interest, and a resume/CV. Applications can be submitted using the following Talent Profile Link: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/23434

All materials will be considered in full confidence. DSG Global has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Matt Marsallo, Managing Director; Courtney Minden, Managing Director; and Lisa Solinsky, Senior Associate. Inquiries can be directed to JRAHeadofSchool@dsgco.com

Please see the full Opportunity Statement Here.