Position Overview
Adventure Academy of Melissa is seeking a strong, experienced, and passionate School Director to lead our nature-based private school and oversee daily operations, staff management, family communication, enrollment growth, and overall program excellence.
This leadership role requires someone with strong childcare and school management experience, excellent organizational and communication skills, confidence in decision-making, and a deep understanding of early childhood education, private school operations, licensing expectations, and family relationships. The Director will help ensure that our school continues to provide a safe, nurturing, academically strong, and nature-centered learning environment for children ages Pre-K through Elementary.
About Us
Adventure Academy of Melissa is a private, family-owned, nature-based school located on 5 beautiful acres in Melissa, Texas. We believe in learning beyond four walls—where children grow through hands-on experiences, outdoor exploration, animal care, gardening, creativity, and strong academic foundations. Our curriculum blends The Good and The Beautiful with Montessori and Waldorf-inspired approaches, while maintaining high academic standards through MAP Growth testing and Cognia accreditation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & School Operations
- Daily Command: Oversee the daily operations of the entire campus, ensuring a safe, organized, and high-quality learning environment.
- Strategic Growth: Support school growth, systems, and long-term planning alongside ownership.
- Professional Culture: Maintain high standards for professionalism, safety, and a positive school culture.
- Process Improvement: Help implement and refine policies, procedures, and operational systems.
Staff Management & Mentorship
- Team Leadership: Lead, supervise, train, and support a dedicated team of teachers and assistants.
- Onboarding: Conduct staff onboarding and ensure ongoing professional development.
- Accountability: Monitor staff performance, manage schedules, and ensure strict classroom supervision and child safety standards.
Family Communication & Enrollment
- Primary Contact: Serve as the strong, professional face of the school for current and prospective families.
- Growth Driver: Lead school tours, manage admissions, trial days, and the onboarding of new families.
- Relationship Management: Handle parent concerns with professionalism and confidence to maintain high school satisfaction.
Licensing, Compliance & Accreditation
- Regulatory Expertise: Maintain expert knowledge of Texas childcare licensing exemptions and private school compliance.
- Cognia Standards: Support and maintain Cognia accreditation standards and ongoing compliance needs.
- Meticulous Records: Ensure student files, staff records, and safety documentation remain "audit-ready" and perfectly organized.
Financial & Administrative Support
- System Management: Help manage Brightwheel for tuition, billing oversight, and enrollment records.
- Admin Logistics: Support payroll coordination, staff onboarding systems, and budgeting with ownership.
Program Excellence
- Vision Keeper: Protect and strengthen our nature-based educational model, including outdoor classrooms and animal areas.
- Seasonal Programming: Support summer camp operations and seasonal school events.
Qualifications
Required:
- Experience: 3–5+ years of leadership experience in childcare, preschool, or private school administration.
- Leadership Style: A "strong" person who is calm under pressure and confident in problem-solving.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of ECE, state licensing, and school safety standards.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills for high-level parent and staff interaction.
Preferred:
- Certification: Texas Director Credentials or equivalent.
- Accreditation: Experience with Cognia or similar regional accreditation.
- Tools: Proficiency in Brightwheel and enrollment management systems.
- Philosophy: Experience with nature-based, Montessori, or Waldorf models.
Personal Qualities We Value
- Strong & Confident: A solutions-oriented leader who creates structure and accountability.
- Professional & Firm: Warm and welcoming with families, but firm and decisive when needed.
- Trustworthy: Highly responsible and aligned with our mission for meaningful, nature-centered education.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume through Indeed. You must include a cover letter explaining why you are passionate about nature-based education and how your leadership style will help our school continue to thrive.
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
