Head of School Search
NORFOLK COLLEGIATE
START DATE: JULY 2026
Mission Statement
We develop critical thinkers, doers and explorers through innovative, engaging instruction in an inclusive and supportive learning community.
Our Vision
Innovative learning for a changing world Philosophy
Norfolk Collegiate equips students to chart their unique paths to success by providing an educational experience based on these principles:
● An excellent, broad-based educational foundation that allows students to discover their passions and become well-rounded individuals.
● A supportive, warm and caring environment that encourages students to view pursuits as learning experiences and expand personal horizons.
● A close partnership between the student, faculty and parents that results in optimal student outcomes.
● A strong value system that grounds student decision-making in honor, integrity and social responsibility.
● Engaging all members of our community in fostering student success results in innovation and excellence.
Norfolk Collegiate is a PreK-12 coeducational day school located in the center of the thriving Virginia city of Norfolk. The school has been in existence for more than 75 years and is fully accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).
The school is located on two beautiful campuses. The lower school campus for preK - 5th grade is located on Tidewater Drive. The upper school campus for grades 6 - 12 is located on Granby Street. Norfolk Collegiate currently serves over 530 students and employs a staff of more than 145
History
Norfolk Collegiate School was established in 1948 as a nursery school and kindergarten, and was known at that time as Carolton Oaks School (today, the school nickname is “The Oaks”). By 1950, the tiny school had already added a new wing with seven classrooms to accommodate its rapidly growing student body. Over the next five years, more land was acquired and new buildings were constructed. By the end of the decade, the school had expanded through grade 8, and had more than 400 students. The school continued to grow with the first class graduating in 1973. The school was renamed Norfolk Collegiate School in 1973, reflecting the school’s college preparatory mission.
THE SCHOOL
FACULTY & STAFF
FINANCIAL
THE SCHOOL
Established: 1948
Grades: PreK-12
Enrollment: 530
Students of Color: 15.1%
Average Class Size: PS 16, LS 10, MS 12, US 12
Student/Teacher Ratio: PS 8:1, LS 10:1, MS 12:1, US 12: 1
FACULTY & STAFF
Full-time faculty/staff: 95 full-time, 48 part-time
Advanced degrees: 63% have master’s degrees
FINANCIALS
Tuition: $17,440 - $27,378 (preschool - 12th)
Operating budget: $15.9M
Tuition Assistance: 40% of student body
Strengths of the School
● Small, tightknit, family oriented community
● Academic rigor.
● Learning support that ensures academic success from preK - grade 12.
● Small campuses where each student is known
● Inclusive and supportive learning environment, welcoming every student.
● A diverse community that respects individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, culture, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status.
● Strong alumni base.
● AP Capstone Program™, one of the first schools in Virginia to offer this advanced College Board program.
● Strong, dedicated, and collegial faculty.
● Honor Code and adherence to core values of the school.
● Year-long and seasonal enrichment opportunities for lower school students.
● Social/emotional learning supported through C.A.R.E.S. standards for students (Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control).
Opportunities & Challenges
Enrollment growth is not only desired but achievable. It will depend upon improving retention and attracting a larger number of new students, particularly at the Upper School level.
Although significant campus renovation and building has occurred in recent years, more is needed, and some fundraising will be required to complete this program.
In a school with two separate campuses with strong staff at each campus, deliberate attention will be needed to maintain a unified sense of purpose and a smoothly functioning curriculum and faculty.
The Position
Norfolk Collegiate is a well-established, diverse school with high standards and with an inspiring and caring faculty, administrators, and trustees. The next Head of School will need poise, patience, adaptability, confidence, innovation and wisdom to effectively balance the demands associated with this exciting leadership opportunity. A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following talents, skills, attributes, values, and experiences:
● Experience in independent school leadership, preferably with classroom experience.
● Experience in building and implementing a strong curriculum.
● Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and financial planning.
● A charismatic relationship builder and team player who leads by genuinely knowing and caring about students, employees, and families. An outgoing personality will be a strength.
● Experience in leading, advocating for, and unifying the faculty, through team-building, curriculum development and in mentoring.
● An excellent listener and an effective, transparent, clear communicator in writing, speaking, and interpersonal relationships.
● Commitment to and sophisticated perspective with regard to the challenge of ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion work, maintaining a sense of belonging for everyone within the school community.
● Strong capacity to navigate difficult conversations, as well as knowledge and experience in regard to structuring effective decision-making.
● Ability to embrace and lead fundraising initiatives with passion and focus.
● Experience and skill as a recruiter of talented administrators, faculty and staff.
● Desire and capacity to thrive in the Norfolk community, being a visible presence both in the school community and through community engagement in the larger Norfolk area as the face of the school.
● Ability to participate enthusiastically, knowledgeably and effectively in the overall enrollment management process for the school. Be the Norfolk Collegiate Cheerleader!
● Willingness to work effectively in partnership with a deeply committed Board of Trustees.
● Being a visible presence throughout the daily life of the school as well as at school events.
● Diplomatic, decisive, thoughtful and authentic leader of the administration, faculty, staff, and students.
Challenges and Opportunities for the New Head of School
Challenges and Opportunities for the new Head of School:
● Maintain the high standards of the academic program while embracing the camaraderie and community spirit through a visible presence throughout campus life.
● Be a friendraiser and fundraiser
● Clear communicator
● Strong financial manager
● Be the leader in building enrollment across all grade levels
● Maintain the “curb appeal” of an attractive campus
● Continue to attract a strong faculty and administrative staff
● A visible and interactive presence among the students
Life in Norfolk, Virginia
Living in Norfolk, Virginia offers a unique blend of city life and coastal charm. Norfolk is a waterfront city of approximately 235,000 residents. The city includes seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront as well as shorelines along lakes, rivers and the Bay. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO. In addition, the Norfolk International Terminal is the largest inter-model center in the United States, making it a leading shipping port on the East coast. Cultural opportunities abound with historic sites in the city as well as in surrounding areas in the Tidewater region, including Jamestown and Williamsburg. An easy day's drive leads to the state capital in Richmond and our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Norfolk is also home to the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Symphony, Chrysler Hall and The Chrysler Museum of Art as well as the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University are located in the city and Virginia Wesleyan University borders Norfolk and Virginia Beach. For professional sports fans, Norfolk is the home of The Norfolk TIdes baseball team and a professional ice hockey team, the Norfolk Admirals. The city is also home to Eastern Virginia Medical School, Sentara Health Systems and Virginia’s only free-standing, full service pediatric hospital, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD). There are numerous outdoor areas and activities in and around the city offering opportunities for biking, hiking, exploring, as well as swimming, boating and beach walking. As a coastal community, Norfolk enjoys four distinct seasons with only occasional snowfalls in the winter.
