Assistant Head of Lower School

Battle Ground Academy•Franklin, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Battle Ground Academy (BGA) currently seeks an Assistant Head of Lower School to join our team. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, BGA is a co-educational, independent day school serving Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Assistant Head of Lower School plays a central role in shaping the student experience across grades K–4. This position is grounded in a deep belief that students thrive in environments where they feel a strong sense of belonging, are known and supported, and are held to clear, consistent expectations. Partnering closely with the Head of Lower School and academic leadership, the Assistant Head provides vision and leadership for student life, including community culture, wellness, and behavioral expectations. This role also supports faculty growth, coordinates key operational systems, and helps ensure a cohesive and joyful Lower School experience for students and families.

Requirements

Master’s degree in education or related field
Valid teaching and/or educational leadership certification
Experience in elementary education, with increasing leadership responsibility
Strong understanding of child development, student behavior, and best practices in elementary education
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and foster a positive school culture
Deeply committed to student belonging, wellness, and growth
Skilled in building systems that support both students and teachers
Calm, consistent, and relational in navigating student behavior
Strong communicator who builds trust with students, families, and faculty
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for all aspects of the Lower School student experience, including belonging, wellness, community culture, and behavioral expectations
Partner with the Head of Lower School to set and implement a vision for student life aligned with the school’s mission, values, and developmental best practices
Oversee and support assemblies, traditions, and student events that build connection, celebrate learning, and strengthen school identity
Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the school day (arrival, transitions, lunch, recess, dismissal)
Coordinate and support student behavior support, including restorative practices and school expectations
Partner with teachers to ensure consistent, developmentally appropriate responses to student behavior
Collaborate closely with school counselors, learning specialists, and leadership to provide proactive and responsive student support
Partner with the Head of Lower School and Instructional Coaches to align academic expectations and student well-being
Provide in-the-moment support to teachers during instructional or behavioral situations
Serve as the Lower School testing coordinator, managing the planning, communication, and administration of all standardized assessments
Develop testing schedules and ensure all protocols are implemented with clarity and care
Assist with daily operations, including scheduling, calendar coordination, arrival and dismissal routines, and division-wide communication
Support oversight of student attendance, including tracking absences and partnering with families to ensure clear, consistent communication
Coordinate shadow days and partner with Admissions to ensure a welcoming, thoughtful experience for prospective students
Collaborate with Extended Care and Explore programs to ensure a cohesive student experience across the full school day
Assist with handbook and policy review to ensure clarity, consistency, and developmental appropriateness
Communicate with families with empathy, professionalism, and a strong service-oriented approach
Serve as a point of contact for parent communication related to student experience, behavior, and day-to-day needs
Participate in faculty and staff hiring processes
Support the broader school community by attending co-curricular events
Serve on Admissions Committee