CHCS Upper School Principal OP

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE | UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (9 TH - 12 TH )

CINCINNATI, OHIO

www.jobfitmatters.com

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GREETINGS

Dear Prospective Upper School Principal Candidate,

Thank you for considering the opportunity to join Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (CHCA)

as our next Upper School Principal for our Martha S. Lindner Campus. Should you become

part of our leadership team, you will discover a community deeply committed to fostering

academic excellence and spiritual growth in the lives of our students, faculty, and families.

At CHCA, our mission is grounded in Christ-centered education, where intellectual rigor

and spiritual formation go hand-in-hand.

As a Christ-centered, non-denominational college preparatory school, we believe every

student is uniquely created by God and equipped with talents that can transform the world.

Our faculty and staff are passionate about cultivating a culture of collaboration, grace, and

accountability, creating an environment where students are not only prepared for college

but are equipped to lead lives of purpose and impact.

We are prayerfully seeking a leader who will continue to inspire our Upper School

students, faculty, and families in their journey of faith and learning. Additional information

about CHCA, including stories from our vibrant community, can be found on our website at

www.chca-oh.org. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to explore this opportunity further. Please review the Opportunity

Profile for more details about the role and our school community, and if you are interested in pursuing this position, I invite

you to reference the Process of Candidacy page to begin the application process. If you have questions, please contact Laura

Coverstone or Ed Poff (615-261-4623), the JobfitMatters Consultants who are assisting Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy in this

search.

Thank you for considering this important role at CHCA. We look forward to seeing how God may lead you in this process.

In Christ,

Dean Nicholas, Ph.D.

Head of School

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

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CHCA

OVERVIEW

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (CHCA), located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a leading Christ-centered, non-denominational college preparatory

school serving over 1,300 students from early childhood through 12 th grade. Founded in 1989, CHCA has grown into a vibrant community

where academic excellence, spiritual formation, and holistic student development are at the heart of its mission. The Upper School, which

encompasses grades 7–12, offers a robust academic program supported by a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a team of educators, 52% of

whom hold advanced degrees. This innovative institution integrates faith and learning in every aspect of its curriculum, ensuring students are

prepared for success in higher education and beyond while developing a lifelong passion to learn, lead, and serve.

CHCA’s mission is to unleash each student’s God-given gifts through Christ-centered academic excellence. The school fosters an environment

where students flourish spiritually, intellectually, and socially. A key aspect of this mission is faith integration in the classroom, where students are

encouraged to explore their relationship with Christ while engaging in rigorous academics. Programs like the Entrepreneurship & Sustainability

Program, Intercession Term, and Personal Responsibility Time reflect CHCA’s commitment to preparing students for future challenges through

innovative, hands-on learning experiences.

The next Upper School Principal for 9th-12th will have the opportunity to lead this thriving community by sustaining and building upon CHCA’s

strong reputation. They will oversee a dynamic academic program that includes 26 Advanced Placement courses, a world-ranked robotics

team, and unique opportunities which enrich students’ academic journeys through practical, real-world applications. The role also includes

responsibility for fostering collaboration among faculty, encouraging spiritual growth in students, and strengthening a culture of community

pride, where students love their school and take pride in their accomplishments.

This role is ideal for a visionary leader with a strong Christian faith, exceptional relational and communication skills, and a passion for innovation

in education. The ideal candidate will embrace the challenge of maintaining CHCA’s high standards while exploring new opportunities for

growth, such as integrating emerging technologies like AI into the curriculum and expanding entrepreneurial programs. They will lead with

humility and joy, fostering a Christ-centered, grace-filled culture that inspires students, faculty, and families alike.

The right leader will be drawn to the opportunity to lead an Upper School program that combines academic rigor, faith-based learning, and

holistic student development. This is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on a community committed to shaping the next generation

of leaders, thinkers, and followers of Christ.

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CHCA

VISION & MISSION

VISION STATEMENT

CHCA will unleash each student’s God-given gifts through Christ-centered academic excellence. We are devoted to developing the whole

person and instilling a lifelong passion to learn, lead, and serve.

MISSION STATEMENT

CHCA is a Christ-centered, non-denominational, college preparatory academy that exists to prepare students intellectually and spiritually

for success in higher education and beyond, and to impact and influence the world according to their unique gifts and talents. This will be

accomplished by:

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Creating an environment that encourages students,

faculty, staff, and families to develop and live out

their relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Fostering an exceptional environment that develops

students’ gifts and talents in the arts, athletics,

leadership, and additional extra-curricular opportunities

for God’s purposes.

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Developing a passion for lifelong learning that leads

to thoughtful, effective service through excellent,

intentional curriculum and extra-curricular offerings.

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Building an engaged school community – encompassing

faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, and donors – that

reinforces the school’s vision, mission, and core values.

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Empowering outstanding Christian faculty and staff

to fully use their passions and expertise to create

engaged critical thinkers.

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CHCA

STATEMENT OF FAITH

The basis of this Association is the Bible, the infallible Word of God. The school is a part of the church at work with a focus on biblically based

education. We believe the following Statement of Faith summarizes the essential truths of the Bible.

WE BELIEVE the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.

WE BELIEVE that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

WE BELIEVE in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and

atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His

personal return in power and glory.

WE BELIEVE that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.

WE BELIEVE in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved until the resurrection of life and they that

are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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HISTORY

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (CHCA) was established in 1989, primarily through the efforts of Cincinnati businessman Carl

Lindner, Jr. The school began on a 25-acre campus, enrolling 165 students from pre-kindergarten through seventh grade in its

inaugural year. Over time, CHCA expanded its facilities and academic offerings to accommodate a growing student body. In

1992, the Edyth B. Lindner Elementary School was constructed to serve preschool through third grade students. By 2001, the

Martha S. Lindner High School was established on a nearby 20-acre site, providing a dedicated space for upper school students.

Additionally, the Otto Armleder Memorial Education Center was opened in downtown Cincinnati to serve inner-city students from

preschool through sixth grade.

Today, CHCA operates multiple campuses, including the Edyth B. Lindner Campus, Founders’ Campus, Martha S. Lindner Campus,

and the Otto Armleder Memorial Education Center, collectively serving approximately 1,300 students from early childhood through

twelfth grade. The academy offers a comprehensive educational experience that integrates faith and learning, emphasizing

academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service. CHCA’s commitment to holistic education is evident in its diverse

programs, which include a robust fine arts department, competitive athletics, and innovative initiatives like the Entrepreneurship

& Sustainability Program. The school’s mission is to prepare students intellectually and spiritually for success in higher education

and to empower them to impact and influence the world according to their unique gifts and talents.

For a detailed history, see this 39-minute video on the history of CHCA, prepared in celebration of the 30 th anniversary:

www.chca-oh.org/about/our-story

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CHCA

UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

FOUNDERS’ CAMPUS GRADES 7-8

• Innovation labs and collaboration spaces complement existing hands-on science laboratories and STEAM approach

• Three foreign language offerings (Mandarin Chinese, Latin, Spanish)

• Student-run coffee bar is an introduction to the Upper School’s growing Entrepreneurial & Sustainability Studies Program

• Multimedia class and news programming gives students real-world opportunities to apply what they’re learning

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CHCA

UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MARTHA S. LINDNER CAMPUS GRADES 9-12

World-class academics meet engaging programs in an open, collaborative environment designed for personal, professional, and spiritual

growth.

• 26 Advanced Placement and Beyond classes

• Nine Class of 2022 students earned National Merit recognition

• 84% of students take AP classes

• 93% of students participate in athletics and/or fine arts

• World-ranked Robotics Team

• Students average 200-250 service hours

• Unique annual Intersession experience enriches curriculum

• Flexible schedules and Personal Responsibility Time (PRT)

• Student-run entrepreneurial enterprises provide real-world

business experience

Learn more about CHCA’s six-year approach to Upper School

HERE.

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CHCA

AT-A-GLANCE

ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025

398 PK - 3 RD

219 4 TH - 6 TH

FACULTY

53 UPPER SCHOOL

12:1 STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO

52% FACULTY HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES (K-12 TH )

497 9 TH - 12 TH

TOTAL

ENROLLMENT

1293

179 7 TH - 8 TH

FINANCIAL 2023-2024

$

ANNUAL BUDGET: $24,500,000

GIVING: $2,447,886 TOTAL ($1,249,786 ANNUAL

GIVING; $1,198,100 CAPITAL GIFTS)

TOTAL DEBT: $8,216,507

UPPER SCHOOL 7 TH - 12 TH ENROLLMENT

YEAR ENROLLMENT

2020-2021 656

2021-2022 643

2022-2023 668

2023-2024 683

2024-2025 676

26% ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN THE STUDENT BODY

TUITION FOR 2024-2025

FINANCIAL AID

7 TH -8 TH : $20,000

9 TH -12 TH : $21,500

15% OF SCHOOL FAMILIES RECEIVED FINANCIAL AID.

MORE THAN $1,739,193 IN FINANCIAL AID WAS AWARDED

IN THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR.

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CHCA

AT-A-GLANCE

CLASS OF 2024 (121 STUDENTS)

97% FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE PLACEMENT

ACT STATS:

COMPOSITE - 26.8

SUPER SCORE - 27.0

ENGLISH - 27.1

MATH - 25.7

READING - 29.2

SCIENCE - 25.8

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

169 STUDENTS TOOK EXAMS

375 AP EXAMS TAKEN

87% ACHIEVED SCORES OF 3 OR HIGHER

22 ATHLETIC TEAMS

FALL & WINTER CHEER

BOYS & GIRLS FALL

CROSS-COUNTRY

BOYS & GIRLS FALL

GOLF & CLUB (7 TH -8 TH )

BOYS & GIRLS FALL

SOCCER & CLUB (7 TH -8 TH )

GIRLS FALL TENNIS

& CLUB (7 TH -8 TH )

GIRLS FALL VOLLEYBALL

FALL FOOTBALL

BOYS & GIRLS WINTER

BASKETBALL

BOYS & GIRLS WINTER

SWIMMING

BOYS & GIRLS SPRING

TRACK & FIELD

BOYS SPRING TENNIS

& CLUB (7 TH -8 TH )

SPRING SOFTBALL

& CLUB (7 TH -8 TH )

BOYS & GIRLS SPRING

LACROSSE

SPRING BASEBALL

ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIPS

NAIS

ISACS

OAIS

CESA

For a comprehensive list of college acceptances and

matriculation 2020-2024, look HERE.

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

ROBOTICS

FINE ARTS

STUDENT ORGANIZED

SERVICE (OVER 60

OPPORTUNITIES)

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

ACADEMIC TEAM

NATIONAL HONOR

SOCIETY

JR. NATIONAL HONOR

SOCIETY

E-SPORTS

HOPE SQUAD

EAGLE AMBASSADORS

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CHCA

UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL POSITION

The Upper School Principal reports to the Head of School, Dr. Dean Nicholas, and oversees all activities involving students and faculty in the

Upper School on the Lindner Campus (9 th -12 th ). Current direct reports include all 9 th through 12 th grade faculty and staff, which currently totals

65, an assistant principal, 47 faculty and 17 staff. The staff includes a Director of Guidance, Director of International Student Program, Director

of Service, and a Director of Student Life.

CURRENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Head of

School

CFO

Downtown

Campus

Principal (PS-6)

Lower

Elementary

Principal (K-3)

Upper

Elementary

Principal (4-6)

Upper School

Principal (7-8)

Upper School

Principal (9-12)

Exec Dir of

Advancement

Exec Dir of

Athletics

Dir of Diversity

& Belonging

Academics

Director

Exec Dir of

MarCom

Business

Office Staff

Assistant

Principal

Maintenance/

Janitorial Staff

Faculty (47) Staff (17)

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CHCA

KEY LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

STRONG AND VIBRANT CHRISTIAN FAITH:

The candidate must exhibit a deeply rooted and authentic Christian faith that is clear, winsome, and inclusive of various denominations while

avoiding being narrowly denominational or anti-Catholic.

RELATIONAL AND APPROACHABLE:

A key characteristic is the ability to connect meaningfully with both students and adults. The principal should foster a collaborative culture,

avoiding autocratic tendencies, and build strong relationships within the CHCA community.

INNOVATIVE AND FORWARD-THINKING:

The ideal candidate should embrace a growth mindset, valuing hands-on, experiential learning, and exploring innovative programs like

entrepreneurial initiatives, Intercessory Term, and flexible scheduling. An openness to leveraging AI to enhance education is also desired.

EXCELLENT COMMUNICATOR:

Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary across a multi-campus Upper School, including the ability to captivate public

audiences and effectively address groups of students, faculty, and parents.

TEAM-ORIENTED AND ORGANIZED:

The principal should excel in collaborative leadership, working effectively with faculty, students, and staff. They must be highly organized, self

motivated, and capable of moving initiatives forward without micromanagement.

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CHCA

KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain congruency between the school’s Board-approved mission statement and all activities of the Upper School.

• Act as the educational leader of the Upper School, responsible for its day-to-day operations; direct the activities of the members of the

school instructional staff and the non-instructional staff assigned to the Upper School in the performance of their duties.

• Function as the chief articulator of the Upper School programs, expectations, behavioral guidelines, and other information necessary to

ensure that all constituencies are fully informed consistent with their individual roles.

• Observe, supervise, and help evaluate the faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum; supervise the teaching process,

and review and evaluate the academic programs.

• Lead in the articulation of the school mission, school goals, department goals, course objectives, materials, methods and means of

assessment as they relate to the Upper School program.

• Provide an orderly, controlled environment in which learning can take place; a school climate which is supportive of all persons, and which

reflects high morale and integrity amongst staff and students.

• Constitute an awareness of the educational, spiritual, physical, social, and psychological needs of the members of our school community,

and develop plans for meeting these needs.

• Oversee and direct the activities of department chairs and the sponsors of various student organizations and activities.

• Ensure compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies; maintain the educational standards established by the

State of Ohio and by those agencies that examine and accredit the school.

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CHCA

KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Make recommendations to the Head of School and the Education Committee regarding the hiring, retention, and the assignment of faculty.

• Establish programs for the orientation of new teachers, for in-service training of all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers,

to ensure that teachers are familiar with and adhere to school policies in all areas of the school operation.

• Strive for unity and cooperation through tact, helpfulness, respect, and recognition of individual differences and the special abilities and

strengths of each teacher.

• Conduct regular meetings with faculty which will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues

of educational/philosophical interest and concern.

• Oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; assist in the planning and the presentation

of chapels, school assemblies and programs; assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; keep the entire school

community informed of various school programs and activities.

• Provide for the academic guidance of students; maintain complete academic records on all students; oversee the grading and the reporting

of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.

• Be responsible for establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; maintain student discipline consistent with school policies;

monitor students’ adherence to established school rules; maintain accurate records of student attendance and citizenship.

“

IN THE CHCA COMMUNITY, WE EACH BRING OUR UNIQUE GIFTS, TALENTS, PASSIONS, AND

DESIRE TO RAISE STUDENTS WHO WILL LEARN, LEAD, AND SERVE IN WAYS THAT IMPACT THE

KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE WORLD! YOUR CALLING IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AS YOU

”

JOIN US IN THIS MISSION.

- DR. DEAN NICHOLAS, CHCA HEAD OF SCHOOL

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CHCA

LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to the mission and values of CHCA

• A master’s or doctorate level educational administration degree (state administrative certification is desired)

• Biblical foundation

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work with diverse personalities in faculty, parents, and students

• Facilitation, problem solving, and conflict management skills

• A servant style of leadership

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CHCA

UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL EXPECTATIONS

Successful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well its leader meets the expectations of the Head of School, meets

the needs of its families, and responds to the input of its faculty, administration, parents, and other constituent groups. CHCA’s five-year

Strategic Plan* was developed in 2023, and measurable goals are set and reviewed annually. To give prospective candidates an idea of the

expectations of the next principal, below are anticipated measurable results that CHCA would hope for in the first 5 years.

CHRIST-CENTERED FOCUS - The principal will fully understand and advance CHCA’s commitment to a Christian mission and faith integration,

fostering an environment where Christ exudes through every aspect of the Upper School.

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION - The new principal should feel a deep sense of belonging within the CHCA community and foster relationships

that enhance the school culture.

STRONG ENROLLMENT AND PROGRAM SUCCESS - Enrollment should remain robust in the Upper School, supported by thriving

programs in academics, athletics, fine arts, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing CHCA’s position as a leader among area private schools.

STUDENT LOVE AND PRIDE - Students should continue to love their school, exhibit school spirit, and maintain pride in their academic and

extracurricular achievements. Parents will also exhibit growing enthusiasm for and participation in CHCA events.

CONTINUAL INNOVATION - The principal is expected to identify, support, and implement new programs and initiatives on both campuses

of the Upper School, embracing a mindset that values adaptability, intentional collaboration, and learning through experimentation.

SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE - The CHCA Upper School should maintain its high standards across academic and extracurricular areas, ensuring

the school remains competitive and forward-thinking in preparing students for future success.

*Note: The Strategic Plan will be provided to candidates who advance in the process. The three main areas of focus include World Class

Christian Education, Engaged Christian Community, and Institutional Advancement.

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WELCOME TO CINCINNATI, OHIO!

With a regional population of more than 2.2 million people, the urban identity of this vibrant Midwestern city is a defining feature.

The “Queen City” boasts big-city amenities – professional sports, arts, museums, and cultural attractions – along with plenty of

Midwest charm and family-friendly attractions. Cincinnati frequently tops the charts of “places to go,” with a major driver being

the city’s flourishing arts scene filled with theaters, murals, galleries, museums, ballet, and more. The vast array of options include

venues such as ArtWorks Cincinnati, Music Hall (est. 1878), and Cincinnati Art Museum which showcases more than 67,000 works

of art.

Beyond the arts, there are multiple entertainment options for sports fans. Cincinnati is home to four professional sports franchises:

Cincinnati Bengals (football), Cincinnati Reds (baseball), FC Cincinnati (soccer), and Cincinnati Cyclones (hockey).

For diners and food aficionados, Cincinnati recently ranked in the top 25 “foodie cities” in America, with a range of locally owned

restaurants, markets, and cafes. Made famous for its signature Cincinnati-style chili, the city is home to several award-winning

chefs and restaurants that offer outstanding dining – often sourced from Findlay Market, one of the top food markets in the world.

Over the past 25 years, the city has transformed this Midwest town into a prosperous city that welcomes and supports every type

of business, from small mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500s. Technology, business and professional services, biohealth, and

advanced manufacturing are the four largest industries in Cincinnati. Businesses such as Procter & Gamble, The Kroger Company,

Fifth Third Bank, and Western & Southern Financial, to name a few, are significant employers and economic contributors in the

city.

The Queen City is home to an extensive public park system, with 87% of residents living within a 10-minute walk to a park. The

city’s landscape is characterized by a blend of plains, rolling hills, and river valleys. In fact, the hills are so numerous that, over

time, the city earned an additional nickname: The City of Seven Hills. Located along the northern banks of the Ohio River, the city

has become a transportation and commerce hub.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Cincinnati #13 on their list of Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. (2021-22). With a median

home price of $205,000, the city is substantially affordable, particularly when compared to other similarly sized cities throughout

the nation.

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CHCA

PROCESS OF CANDIDACY

If you believe that your talents and experience may be a good fit for the position of Upper School Principal of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy,

we invite you to begin the inquiry process. Inquiries and expressions of interest regarding this search may be forwarded to Laura Coverstone

at JobfitMatters Executive Search (615.261.4623) and will remain confidential.

Please submit the following for review:

1. A Current resumé.

2. Responses to the following essay prompts:

• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. How is God using you in your work, in your church, and in your community? How has

your relationship with Jesus shaped your career and influenced your decision to apply for this position?

• Describe your experience with Christian education, both personally and professionally. How would you define the marks of “educational

excellence” in a 21st-century Christian school?

• Using what you have learned about CHCA from the CHCA website, this Opportunity Profile, and any other research you may have

conducted, describe how your life, career, and leadership development have equipped you to lead and grow CHCA.

3. Provide the names and contact information (phone number and email address) of four references who know you and your career well

enough to comment on your suitability for this position. (Note: References will only be contacted after we have received your permission to

do so later in the candidacy process.)

Submit this information in one PDF to:

Laura Coverstone

JobfitMatters

resumes@jobfitmatters.com

Phone: 615.261.4623

Please include “CHCA Upper School Principal” in the email subject line.

SEARCH TIMELINE: All candidate information will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue until this position is filled.

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