2026-2027 Primary Years Principal (217 Days)

Job Title: Primary Years Principal Wage/ Status: Exempt

Department: Primary School HR Revised: June 2026

Reports to: Head of School

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

The primary function of the Primary Years Principal is to manage grades K-5. The Primary Years Principal works continually to build and maintain a school culture conducive for learning, maximizing each child's success, and successfully achieving established Westlake Academy goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree with Texas principal certification.
• Strong knowledge of the IB Primary Years curriculum, standards, and practices.

Experience:

• 5+ years of IB experience, preferred.
• 3+ years in a leadership position.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Deep expertise in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and teacher development, with the ability to coach educators in designing and facilitating high-quality, inquiry-driven learning experiences.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Displays strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States.
• Completion of the state-required fingerprinting and criminal background check is required.
• Complies with TEA regulations, applicable federal, state, and local laws, school policies, and standards of the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates Primary school personnel, including teachers, the PYP Coordinator, Counselor, and Athletic Director (for Primary-related programs), ensuring effective instructional practices, professional accountability, and alignment with the Academy's mission, International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements, and Academy expectations.
• Collaborates with K-12 leadership staff to develop and maintain a continuum of learning that supports student success across all grade levels.
• Oversees student discipline in the Primary school and addresses individual student disciplinary matters as needed.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, parents, students, and community groups to promote educational programs, activities, and objectives.
• Collaborates with the Head of School, faculty, staff, and students to ensure a safe learning environment and the implementation of established safety procedures and protocols.
• Maintains effective communication with students, faculty, parents, colleagues, and community stakeholders to support student achievement and school initiatives.
• Administers the Primary school budget effectively and efficiently.
• Collaborates with the Campus Engagement Coordinator to implement House events within the Primary school.
• Facilitates Primary school assemblies as needed.
• Develops and oversees the Primary school master schedule and ensures compliance with all Texas Education Agency (TEA) and International Baccalaureate (IB) requirements and expectations.
• Organizes and facilitates parent meetings to promote communication, engagement, and understanding of school programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrates proficiency in educational and administrative technology systems.
• Collaborates with the Special Education department to ensure that student learning needs and required support services are effectively provided.
• Coordinates and leads Primary school staff meetings.
• Oversees the onboarding and integration of new Primary school students and families, ensuring that parents and students understand the academic programs, expectations, policies, and operations of Westlake Academy.
• Ensures a smooth transition for Grade 5 students entering Grade 6 through collaboration with the Secondary Principal, PYP Coordinator, and MYP Coordinator.
• Collaborates with the Counselor and PYP Coordinator to coordinate and administer state assessments and other required testing programs.
• Creates and sustains an efficient, productive, and caring environment where students and staff are encouraged and recognized for their achievements and contributions.
• Coordinates and oversees the internal examination schedule.
• Ensures regular academic monitoring of all Primary school students.
• Applies and integrates federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and procedures with the operational and educational requirements of an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attends scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees and delivers presentations as required.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated at least annually by the Head of School or designee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture: Frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding, and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (up to 35 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to

control behavior.

Environment: Work inside, may work outside.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.