Catholic Primary School Principal

Principal – Catholic Elementary School

Future Opportunities Across the Nation | Part of OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network

✝️ A Calling Rooted in Mission

At ACELA Solutions, we believe that leading a Catholic elementary school is a sacred ministry—one that requires a heart for formation, a mind for instruction, and a spirit rooted in Gospel joy. Through OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network, we are identifying faith-filled, servant-hearted leaders who feel called to serve as Principals of Catholic elementary schools across the country. This is not a current job opening, but a discernment-based initiative to help prepare leaders for future opportunities. If you are exploring your next chapter—or feel called to elementary leadership for the first time—ACELA OnTrack offers the tools, relationships, and formation to walk with you on that journey.

🛤️ Why Join OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network?

OnTrack is ACELA’s confidential and mission-focused talent initiative for Catholic leaders in discernment. It connects emerging and experienced Principals with leadership opportunities and provides:

• Personalized discernment and career conversations
• Priority access to interim and permanent principal roles, including confidential and unadvertised searches
• Optional coaching, mentoring, and leadership formation
• Invitations to Catholic leadership retreats, webinars, and peer gatherings
• A national community of educators and leaders rooted in Gospel values and Catholic mission

When you join ACELA OnTrack, you’re more than a name on a list—you’re part of a network built on trust, vocation, and vision.

🧭 Principal Role Overview

The Principal of a Catholic elementary school serves as the faith leader, instructional head, and cultural shepherd of the school community. Responsible for the daily life of the school, the Principal promotes academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a strong sense of belonging among students, faculty, families, and parish or diocesan partners.

In schools large and small, urban and rural, parochial and independent, the Principal is a visible, pastoral presence—a leader who helps children encounter Christ through education, virtue, and love.

🌟 Leadership Focus Areas

• Promote and protect the Catholic identity of the school in all aspects of school life
• Foster academic excellence and joyful learning grounded in mission
• Supervise curriculum, instructional leadership, and assessment practices
• Lead faculty hiring, development, and evaluation with a spirit of mentorship
• Cultivate strong relationships with students and families built on respect and partnership
• Collaborate with pastors, Presidents, and/or diocesan officials where applicable
• Manage the operational vitality of the school in alignment with its mission and sustainability
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that supports every child’s growth

🧠 Ideal Candidate Profile

Ideal Catholic elementary school Principals come from a variety of backgrounds—whether they’ve served as teachers, vice principals, instructional leaders, or mission directors. Some may come from parish life or diocesan ministry, others from school-based administration. What they share is a common foundation:

• A passion for Catholic education and child development
• A pastoral heart rooted in faith and joy
• The leadership presence to inspire faculty and engage families
• The vision and experience to foster community and guide school growth

🎓 Typical Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic with demonstrated commitment to the mission of Catholic education
• Master’s degree in education, administration, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of teaching or leadership experience in a Catholic school or equivalent setting
• Strong understanding of early childhood, primary, and intermediate grade learning and formation
• Familiarity with diocesan/parish school structures or independent Catholic school models
• State or diocesan certification for principal or administrative leadership (preferred)

📩 Start the Conversation

This isn’t simply a job description—it’s a reflection of vocation. If you are discerning a call to serve as a Catholic elementary school Principal—whether now or in the future—we invite you to enter OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network. Together, we’ll walk the path of readiness, prayer, and preparation, and explore where your gifts may be most needed next.

Let’s begin the journey.