PRINCIPAL

San Miguel School Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

An Executive Search Conducted by ACELA Solutions

SEARCH LEADERSHIP & PARTNERSHIP

ACELA Solutions is privileged to partner with San Miguel School Chicago in the search for its next Principal. This distinctive leadership opportunity offers an accomplished, mission-centered Catholic educator the chance to advance an educational ministry that has transformed the lives of young people and families in Chicago's Back of the Yards community for more than three decades.

Rooted in the Lasallian tradition of faith, service, and community, San Miguel seeks a collaborative and compassionate instructional leader who brings high expectations for student achievement, a commitment to the development of the whole child, and a deep belief in the transformative power of Catholic education.

ABOUT SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL CHICAGO

Founded in 1995 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and lay Catholic partners, San Miguel School Chicago is an independent Lasallian Catholic middle school serving students in grades six through eight.

Established to expand access to educational opportunity for young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, San Miguel provides a rigorous, individualized education within a caring and supportive environment. The school's mission reflects the enduring vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle: that every young person deserves access to a quality human and Christian education, regardless of family circumstances.

San Miguel's distinctive educational model combines small classes, an extended instructional day, a year-round academic calendar, intensive academic interventions, and comprehensive social-emotional support. With an approximately 1:9 teacher-to-student ratio, the school is intentionally structured to meet students where they are and help each scholar achieve meaningful academic and personal growth.

Its commitment extends beyond middle school graduation through high school placement, ongoing graduate support, family engagement, and community enrichment programs.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Principal serves as San Miguel's chief academic and school administrative leader, responsible for sustaining a vibrant culture of Catholic identity, instructional excellence, student achievement, and community engagement.

The Principal will lead faculty and staff in delivering a rigorous, student-centered educational program that recognizes the diverse learning needs, backgrounds, strengths, and aspirations of San Miguel scholars.

This role calls for a hands-on instructional leader who is equally comfortable supporting classroom teachers, analyzing student achievement data, engaging families, building a cohesive school culture, and collaborating with executive leadership to advance the school's mission and long-term vitality.

Central to the position is a commitment to the Lasallian educational philosophy of accompaniment—knowing students personally, recognizing their inherent dignity, and creating the conditions in which each young person can thrive.

THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The next Principal will join an established and deeply committed educational community with an extraordinary mission and a demonstrated commitment to preparing young people for success in high school and beyond.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to strengthen San Miguel's distinctive academic model, advance instructional quality and measurable student outcomes, develop faculty leadership capacity, and ensure a consistently supportive and academically challenging student experience.

Equally important will be cultivating strong family relationships, strengthening student recruitment and retention, supporting the school's graduate success initiatives, and collaborating with executive leadership to ensure that educational priorities align with institutional resources and long-term sustainability.

The Principal will be a visible, accessible, and trusted presence who understands that the strength of San Miguel lies not only in its academic program, but also in the relationships among its students, educators, families, alumni, and community partners.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Lasallian Catholic Identity: Model and advance a school culture grounded in faith, service, community, human dignity, and the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
• Academic and Instructional Leadership: Oversee curriculum, instruction, assessment, academic interventions, and continuous improvement initiatives to advance measurable student achievement.
• Faculty and Staff Development: Recruit, supervise, evaluate, mentor, and support educators while fostering collaboration, professional growth, and shared accountability.
• Whole-Child Formation: Strengthen the integration of academic instruction, social-emotional learning, faith formation, enrichment, student support, and character development.
• Student Achievement and Graduate Readiness: Ensure students are academically and personally prepared for successful transitions into high-quality secondary education and continued educational opportunity.
• Family and Community Engagement: Cultivate relationships grounded in trust, respect, cultural understanding, and shared responsibility for student success.
• School Operations and Institutional Stewardship: Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team in enrollment planning, budgeting, personnel management, school safety, and organizational effectiveness.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

San Miguel School Chicago seeks an accomplished Catholic educational leader who embraces the school's Lasallian identity and possesses the instructional expertise, interpersonal qualities, and leadership disposition necessary to serve a diverse and mission-driven school community.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A personal commitment to Catholic faith and a genuine appreciation for Lasallian spirituality and education.
• Successful experience in classroom instruction and educational leadership, preferably in Catholic elementary or middle school settings.
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen teaching practices, improve student outcomes, and support students with varied academic and social-emotional needs.
• Strong capabilities in faculty supervision, mentoring, instructional coaching, and professional development.
• Experience using student performance data to guide educational decisions and promote continuous improvement.
• Cultural competence, empathy, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding educational opportunity for underserved students and families.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to combine thoughtful strategic leadership with the visible, practical, and relational responsibilities of daily school administration.

A bachelor's degree in education or a related field is expected; an advanced degree and administrative credentials are preferred. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is an asset.

Above all, San Miguel seeks a leader whose professional practice reflects the conviction that every young person possesses extraordinary potential—and that exceptional Catholic educators have both the privilege and responsibility to help that potential flourish.

FORTHCOMING LEADERSHIP SEARCH PROSPECTUS

ACELA Solutions' search team will be visiting San Miguel School Chicago in the coming weeks to engage with school leadership and members of the school community, gain additional insights into the school's distinctive mission and culture, and further explore the opportunities and priorities that will shape its next chapter.

Following our campus visit, we will publish a comprehensive Leadership Search Prospectus, providing prospective candidates with a more detailed understanding of the school, its mission, strategic priorities, and this exciting opportunity to lead and serve within the Lasallian Catholic educational tradition.

Interested candidates are encouraged to express their interest now and need not wait for the publication of the prospectus.

APPLICATION PROCESS & NEXT STEPS

San Miguel School Chicago has engaged ACELA Solutions as its exclusive search partner to conduct the search for its next Principal.

Qualified, mission-aligned educational leaders are invited to explore this opportunity. Early expressions of interest and confidential conversations are welcome.

Candidates are encouraged to prepare the following materials:

1. Letter of Interest: A thoughtful letter describing their commitment to Catholic education, instructional leadership, and the mission of San Miguel School Chicago.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A current summary of professional experience, educational background, and leadership accomplishments.
3. Educational Leadership Statement: A brief statement highlighting their approach to academic excellence, faculty development, student formation, and leadership within a Lasallian Catholic school community.
4. Professional References: Five references, including names, professional relationships, telephone numbers, and email addresses.

References will not be contacted without a candidate's prior knowledge and permission.

All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be managed directly by ACELA Solutions with the highest level of confidentiality and professional discretion.

Interested candidates should apply through the Apply Now feature on ACELA Solutions' View Active Searches page.

SEARCH CONSULTANTS

Michael Furey
Founder, President & Mission Steward
ACELA Solutions
michael.furey@acelasolutions.com
(570) 730-2655

Katie Shubnell
Vice President & Senior Partner
ACELA Solutions
katie.shubnell@acelasolutions.com
(314) 806-4005

About ACELA Solutions

ACELA Solutions partners with Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, and mission-driven organizations nationwide to strengthen leadership, organizational vitality, and long-term sustainability through executive search, strategic planning, organizational assessment, and leadership advisory services.

We Advance Mission.

San Miguel School Chicago is committed to providing an educational environment that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.