FWC Head of School Profile

School Leadership Opportunity:

Head of School
 Fort Worth Christian School North Richland Hills, Texas A Christ-centered community where every student is known, loved and valued, Fort Worth Christian School offers a college preparatory education infused with a biblical worldview to over 600 students in grades Preschool –12.

Founded in 1958 and situated on a 40-acre campus in suburban Fort Worth, FWC provides wide-ranging opportunities in academics, athletics, and fine arts, all geared to the development of graduates who are well prepared academically, socially, and spiritually for lives of faith, service, and leadership for Christ.

In its search for a Head of School to take office in July 2020, Fort Worth Christian School is seeking an experienced, inspiring, and unifying leader who will govern with biblical integrity while collaborating with the school community to achieve new heights of excellence in executing the new strategic plan: Vision:Forward.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2020

 

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MISSION, VISION, AND STATEMENT OF FAITH

Vision: Empowering students for a life of faith, service, and leadership for Christ.

Mission: Fort Worth Christian is a Christ-centered, collegepreparatory school where every student is known, loved, and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered by a biblical worldview for a lifetime of faith and service.

Read the FWC Statement of Faith here:

www.fwc.org

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FWC at a Glance FOUNDED: 1958 LOCA TION: 40-acre campus in North Tarrant County ENROLLMENT:

620

Lower (PS-5): 205 Middle (6-8): 140 Upper (9-12): 275 MINORITY STUDENTS: FACULTY:

18%

112 full-time faculty with an average tenure of 7 years; 31% with advanced degrees

OPERATING BUDGET: TUITION RANGE:

$10.3 million

$8,850 - $13,800 (PS-5); $15,000 (Middle School 6-8); $17,000 (Upper School

9-12) FINANCIAL AID: ENDOWMEN T: DEBT:

$205,000

$660,000

$5.7 million

ACCREDITATION:

Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and National Christian Schools Association

MEMBER:

CESA (Council for Educational Standards and Accountability) and TPSA (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools)

ON THE WEB:

www.fwc.org

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SIGNATURE STRENGTHS & DEFINING ATTRIBUTES FWC students enjoy the best of both worlds – a multitude of learning opportunities in an environment with a healthy, small-town feel. Asked to describe their school’s defining characteristics, families and faculty point to the loving spirit that suffuses daily life at FWC, as well as the breadth of educational opportunities and the quality of teaching.

FWC is a nondenominational Christian school welcoming families with a range of spiritual practices who share the desire to provide their children with a well-rounded, faith-filled educational experience.

THE STUDENT BODY FWC students are a hardworking and able group, all of whom are college-bound. The Class of 2019 included a National Merit Finalist, and the school typically has two to three Commended Students each year. Mean SAT scores for the Class of 2019 were 1137 out of 1600— well above state and national averages. The mean ACT Composite score was 23.9.

Over the past five years, graduates were admitted to a total of 178 colleges and universities and enrolled in more than 100 institutions. About one-quarter of FWC graduates chose to enroll in a Christian college. Last year, the 83 graduating seniors matriculated at colleges in 14 states.

In addition to its home base of North Richland Hills, FWC draws students from many suburban communities, including Keller, Colleyville, Hurst, Trophy Club, Grapevine, and Southlake, as well as the city of Fort Worth.

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THE FACULTY, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES With an average tenure of seven years at the school, FWC’s dedicated faculty includes a healthy mix of veterans and newcomers. Strengthening their connections to the school family, many are also current or past parents. (The school offers 50 percent tuition remission.) Students and parents praise the faculty for their teaching skills, their commitment to the school’s Christcentered mission, and, above all, the genuine love they demonstrate for the children.

The Leadership Team reporting to the Head of School includes the Assistant Head of School for Business and Operations, the Director of Advancement, all three heads, lower, middle, and upper, the Directors of Athletics, and the Director of Fine Arts.

The 12-member Board of Trusts is a dedicated, caring, and business-minded group that provides active stewardship on the school’s behalf. Its members are committed to ensuring that FWC lives its mission and exemplifies a commitment to excellence.

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LOCATION, CAMPUS, AND FACILITIES Situated on a 40-acre suburban campus that was once a dairy farm, FWC’s facilities are valued at $14 million and include 10 buildings. The magnificent new Chapel and Performing Arts Center (pictured on the front page), which opened in 2015, features a 700-seat auditorium as well as a band hall and practice rooms. Other recent improvements include a science and technology center, and new administrative offices.

Athletic facilities include two gyms; a football stadium with a newly refurbished turf field and an eight-lane track; and softball, baseball, and soccer fields.

FWC’s home is North Richland Hills, a suburban community of more than 67,300 residents located in North Tarrant County, just minutes from Dallas and Fort Worth. In recognition of its quality of life and economy, North Richland Hills was named one of the “100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by Money magazine in 2006, and in 2016, the Dallas Morning News ranked North Richland Hills #9 on its list of best Dallas-Fort Worth neighborhoods.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has experienced a remarkable boom over the past decade.

Now the nation’s 16th-largest city, Fort Worth boasts a diversified economy and five downtown entertainment districts that collectively offer a wealth of historical, cultural, dining, and shopping experiences. Located just 17 miles away is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, offering 1,900 daily flights to more than 200 destinations.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Dedicated to shaping lives that change the world, Fort Worth Christian School infuses Christian principles throughout its wide- ranging academic, fine arts, and athletic offerings. Counselors in Lower, Middle, and Upper School assist students in developing life skills, and two registered nurses are on campus to meet health-related needs.

The school has distinguished itself among its competitors with a strong commitment to the integration of technology. Each Lower school student is provided with access to technology, and all Middle and Upper School students and faculty receive laptops. An exciting array of technology classes begins in the Lower school with Lego Robotics and continues into the Upper School, where students may pursue computer science and other technology electives.

Parents are a vital component of the FWC experience. Parents Web, an online communications tool, enables students, parents, and faculty to communicate about assignments, grades, and schedules. Parent organizations include the Parent Teacher Fellowship, Locker Room Prayer Moms, a Sports Booster Club, All Pro Dads, and Dads Club, among others.

The school has worked intentionally and strategically over the last few years to ensure the vertical and horizontal alignment of all programs - spiritual, academic, athletic, arts, and othersfrom preschool through upper school. While highlights of the educational program are included in distinct categories below, the school is committed to continuing to strengthen the one school concept and guarding against silos.  

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SPIRITUAL LIFE Exemplifying the belief that all of one’s life should bring glory to God, FWC teachers integrate Christian perspectives throughout the academic curriculum and in extracurricular offerings.

Students attend a daily chapel service under the direction of their respective division head.

Furthermore, Middle School and Upper School students experience leadership opportunities with student-led Worship Teams serving in chapel services and student-led Spiritual Life Groups meeting weekly.

Bible classes begin in the Lower school and continue through Middle School, using a nondenominational curriculum. In addition to Apologetics and Biblical Text studies, Upper School students receive instruction in both Servant Leadership and Christian Mentorship.

Translating belief into action, FWC students serve others throughout their school careers.

Outreach culminates in the Upper School with local and international service trips that have taken students to destinations including Peru, Panama, and Thailand.

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Lower school: PRESCHOOL, PRE-KINDERGARTEN, AND (K-5) FWC’S preschool for three-year-olds serves as an important feeder to the pre-kindergarten.

Beginning with three- and five-day programs for four-year- olds and continuing through fifth grade, the Lower school offers a loving environment and a rich curriculum. The program includes phonics-based language arts, Everyday Mathematics, hands-on science instruction, and enrichment classes in art, technology, music, physical education, Spanish, and Library. Older students have the opportunity to participate in academic meets, overnight trips, and Student Council.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8) Providing a bridge from the highly structured lower grades to the more independent environment of the Upper School, FWC’s Middle School is carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of students in this age group. The traditional academic schedule includes seven instructional periods. The curriculum progresses to courses that allow students to earn Upper School credit in Algebra and Integrated Physics/Chemistry. Elective offerings include Band, World Drumming, Strings, Chorus, Art, Speech and Drama, and Home Economics. Eighthgraders may take Spanish, Latin, or Technology for Upper School credit. Beyond the classroom, Middle-Schoolers travel to Big Bend National Park; Washington, D.C.; and New York City on class trips. Academic competitions, leadership opportunities, and athletics round out the program. Creating a deep sense of belonging, the newly-adopted house system has every middle schooler an integral part of a smaller, multi-age community within the middle school; the four houses are Wisdom, Service, Faith, and Leadership.

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UPPER SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12) The FWC Upper School offers a college preparatory curriculum that includes 14 pre-AP classes and 13 AP classes. Students may receive up to 35 college semester hours of credit concurrent with Upper School credits in Bible, English, History, Math, and Spanish. Thirty credits are required for graduation, including four years of Bible, English, Math, History, and Science; two years of a single Foreign Language, one-and-a-half years of Physical Education/Athletics, and one year of Technology and Fine Arts. Upper School students follow a modified block schedule.

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Upper School students have access to dozens of enrichment opportunities, including the yearbook, the student newspaper, Student Council, and the National Honor Society, among others. Cheerleaders and the Cardinal Crew contribute to school spirit.

State and national academic and artistic competitions allow students to challenge themselves and meet students from other schools. Service trips to other countries are offered each year during spring break.

ATHLETICS Athletics is a vital aspect of the FWC program, with more than 85 percent of students participating on at least one interscholastic team. Competing in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, FWC fields teams in football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, track, cheerleading, swimming, and cross country.

Interscholastic opportunities begin in sixth grade.

The Cardinals won state titles in cheer, golf, football, volleyball and cross country in recent years. Several other teams made it to the state playoff level. Forty coaches are employed in the athletics program, including 18 teachers who also coach.

THE ARTS FWC’s award-winning arts programs allow students to develop and showcase their individual gifts and talents. Impressive examples of student artwork are displayed throughout campus buildings.

The Performing Arts Center provides students with the opportunity to perform in a state-ofthe-art setting. The theater department produces multiple shows each year, including a musical and one-act competition shows. The school also has a chapter of the International Thespian Society. Students in the Band, Drill Team, Choir, and Orchestra perform and compete in state and national competitions.

 

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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL The next Head of School will join an institution with a strong foundational heritage, a healthy balance sheet, a deep sense of community, and a history of graduating well-rounded individuals. FWC has an alumni base that dates back more than 60 years, a proven track record of academic and extracurricular excellence, and a legacy of providing a Christ-centered, college preparatory education.

For an experienced educational leader with the skills necessary to build upon FWC’s solid foundation, the headship offers the opportunity to lead collaboratively with a strong board of trust and exceptional leadership team. The next Head will lead the community in executing the newly-created strategic plan: Vision:Forward.

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The Board, Leadership Team, faculty, and community have identified the following strategic goals: Goal 1: A Dynamic Learning Environment: To equip our • students with the necessary skills and intellectual framework to thrive and succeed in college and beyond by instituting, supporting, and promoting excellence in instruction, curricular development, and student learning.

Goal 2: A Vibrant Student Experience: To engage students • in a breadth of opportunities that encourages them to discover and hone their God-given gifts and talents, explore their passions, develop an awareness and understanding of self and others, and engage with adults and peers in a mutually supportive environment that fosters life-long relationships.

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Goal 3: An Engaged Community: To build and sustain a community comprised of students, faculty, staff, board members, parents and alumni from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared love for Christ and common commitment to FWC’s Mission.

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Goal 4: A Robust Plan for Institutional Sustainability and Advancement: To create an environment and associated plan that advances institutional sustainability, engendering philanthropic support.

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ADMISSIONS AND MARKETING FWC operates in a highly competitive educational marketplace that includes wellregarded public and private schools. As a result, the marketing strategy will continue to be a top priority for the new Head of School and the Leadership Team.

The next Head will be asked to offer both strategic insights and handson leadership in making the case for FWC within the school family and in the broader community. The Board of Trust has created a new Assistant Head for Advancement position in the 2020-21 budget to partner with the new Head of School in this strategically, important area.

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FACILITIES For both marketing and programmatic reasons, the new Head also will want to devote considerable attention to planning for new and renovated facilities.

Building upon the nearly 30,000 square feet of new construction that has greatly enhanced the campus over the past eight years, FWC will need to move forward in the coming years to enhance the athletic facilities and replace/renovate the aging Lower and Middle School buildings.

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FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT While FWC’s $10.3 million operating budget is balanced, the recent enrollment declines have resulted in the need for more stringent cost controls. The school’s $5.7 million debt, all related to the construction of the recent Performing Arts Center, is financed by a 20-year bond issue. Continued careful financial stewardship under the Head’s direction will be required.

Consistent with the new strategic plan, the school’s long-term financial sustainability will depend upon the establishment of a comprehensive institutional advancement program. An Annual Fund campaign raises approximately $200,000, and the most recent auction raised over $200,000. Building upon these efforts, the new Head and Assistant Head for Advancement will be asked to actively spearhead the creation of a highly professional and well thought out development program.

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PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES Fort Worth Christian School is seeking an inspiring, engaging, and faith-filled Christian leader who is committed to excellence and continuous improvement in pursuit of the school’s enduring mission.

Ideally, the successful candidate will possess most of the following:

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS •

Demonstrated ability to hire, inspire, support, and strengthen a talented faculty, staff, and administration.

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The ability and willingness to lead institutional advancement efforts within and beyond the school community, including admissions, fundraising and marketing.

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Leadership experience in an educational setting with compelling vision of integrated Christ-centered education.

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Strong academic credentials, including an advanced degree.

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Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.

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Excellent management and administrative skills.

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LEADERSHIP TRAITS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES •

A bold, hands-on, visible leader who is eager to be actively engaged with all constituencies

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A unifying leader with exceptional interpersonal skills; a relationship and community builder who is skilled in change management with minimal collateral damage

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A confident, visionary, and strategically minded leader who is fully committed to all aspects of the FWC mission and new strategic plan

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A servant leader who acts with humility and places a biblical worldview at the center of decision-making

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A highly professional leader who sets high standards and holds people accountable

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A wise, spiritual leader who will embrace our past and engage our future

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ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: January 31, 2020 Semifinalist interviews: February 8-9, 2020 Starting date: July 2020

THE SEARCH PROCESS AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Fort Worth Christian School is actively recruiting talented educational leaders who possess the skills, personal qualities, and experience necessary to meet the requirements of this rewarding and challenging position. You may contact the search committee chair, Cal Smallwood, at cal@smallwoodcpa.com if you have questions.

Candidates should submit no later than Friday, January 31, 2020 an application package including the following: •

A cover letter indicating why you are particularly interested in and qualified for the position

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A current résumé

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A personal statement of faith

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A statement of educational philosophy

These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to Fort Worth Christian Head of School Search Committee Chair: headofschoolsearch@fwc.org

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