Principal

Saint Monica Preparatory seeks its inaugural TK–12 Principal to begin July 1, 2026. 

Saint Monica Preparatory is entering an important new chapter. Just seven blocks from the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Santa Monica, this Catholic TK–12 parish school serves 600 students in a vibrant and diverse coastal community. Following its 2022 unification as one cohesive TK–12 institution and the appointment of its first President, the school is poised to deepen its identity and strengthen alignment across all grade levels. 

Partnering closely with the President, the Principal will serve as the school’s chief academic and operational leader, guiding curriculum, faculty leadership, Catholic formation, and institutional coherence from Transitional Kindergarten through graduation. This is a significant opportunity to shape a unified student experience and help lead a faith-centered community committed to academic excellence and purposeful lives. 

Saint Monica Preparatory seeks an experienced school leader to serve as its inaugural TK–12 Principal. As the school moves into an exciting new chapter in its nearly one-hundred-year history, this role is designed to partner closely with the President in providing unified leadership of the entire student experience, from academics and co-curricular life to culture and operations. The Principal will work directly with administrators and faculty to ensure clarity, alignment, and excellence across the school while leading a devoted and student-centered community with steadiness and vision.

The Principal will oversee the daily operations of the program, working hand in hand with the President to ensure excellence in all areas of student formation. The Principal will serve as the chief academic leader of the school, guiding instructional practice, supervising faculty, strengthening school-wide systems, and ensuring that Catholic identity is woven meaningfully throughout the student experience.

Overview:

Just seven blocks from the Pacific Ocean, in the heart of Santa Monica, stands a Catholic school with deep roots and renewed purpose. Saint Monica Preparatory is now seeking a TK–12 Principal to help lead the school with innovation and excellence into its next chapter.

Saint Monica Preparatory is a coeducational TK–12 parish school serving 600 students in one of Southern California's most dynamic coastal communities. Rooted in St. Monica Catholic Community, widely recognized as one of the most vibrant parishes in the country, the school carries forward a strong tradition of faith and engagement. Faculty, staff, and families are drawn to SMPREP because it is a close-knit community anchored in faith, intellectual curiosity, and the belief that education shapes both character and destiny.

The school's history stretches back to 1899, when the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary first established Catholic education in the parish. In 1930, the elementary school moved to its current site, and in 1937, the secondary school opened. For decades, these schools flourished side by side. In 2022, they formally united as Saint Monica Preparatory, becoming one TK–12 community with a shared mission and a renewed sense of possibility.

Today, SMPREP reflects the diversity and vitality of Los Angeles. The school remains deeply rooted in its Catholic mission while welcoming students from varied backgrounds and preparing them for lives of purpose and leadership.

There is a clear sense that Saint Monica Preparatory is entering a new chapter. With strong energy surrounding the school's new President and strategic investments underway, SMPREP is strengthening its academic and institutional foundations. The recent opening of six renovated STEM labs, campus enhancements, expanded professional development, and a state-of-the-art auditorium debuting this spring reflect a community investing confidently in its future and advancing its vision for a fully integrated TK–12 experience.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES

The School seeks an experienced administrator with depth in curriculum and instructional leadership, strong organizational judgment, communication skills and the emotional intelligence to build trust across divisions. This person will be a practicing Catholic and a mission-driven educational leader. The ideal candidate will combine steadiness with vision, honoring institutional strengths while guiding thoughtful, mission-aligned growth. Key qualifications and qualities include but are not limited to:

• A master's degree in educational leadership, school administration, or a related field is required.
• A mission-driven leader committed to the mission of Catholic education and to participating fully in the spiritual life of the school and parish communities.
• Senior leadership and teaching experience in a dynamic and complex school environment.
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.
• A stellar communicator in writing and public speaking and with all constituencies; an empathetic listener.
• A systems thinker who can manage processes and teams to deliver multifaceted projects; strong with both the big picture and the details.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with supporting an equitable and inclusive school culture.
• A consensus builder who seeks input and stands by decisions.
• An engaged, visible presence with students, faculty, staff, and parents.
• A collaborative, transparent, authentic, empathic, humble, and joyful leader.

Read the full position statement HERE

APPLICATION

Candidates interested in applying to become Saint Monica's inaugural TK-12 Principal may apply online at: https://rg175/candidate/signup. The application should include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Personal statement or Educational Philosophy

Applications must be submitted by March 22, 2026, for a July 1, 2026, start date. While the school's goal is to appoint a permanent Principal for the 2026–27 school year, it is prepared to implement an interim leadership plan if needed to ensure continuity. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.

For an initial inquiry or to nominate a potential candidate for this exciting leadership position, please contact: Steve Morris, steve.morris@rg175.com

 

 

Opportunity Statement Here

Candidates interested in applying to become Saint Monica's inaugural TK-12 Principal may apply online at: https://rg175/candidate/signup. The application should include: - Cover letter - Resume - Personal statement or Educational Philosophy Applications must be submitted by March 22, 2026, for a July 1, 2026, start date. While the school's goal is to appoint a permanent Principal for the 2026–27 school year, it is prepared to implement an interim leadership plan if needed to ensure continuity. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged. For an initial inquiry or to nominate a potential candidate for this exciting leadership position, please contact: Steve Morris, steve.morris@rg175.com