Academic Dean/Principal

Founded in 1993, San Miguel School is an independent, tuition-free, Lasallian middle school for 64 boys in grades 5-8 located in Providence, Rhode Island. 

Our students come from diverse and challenging backgrounds, and thrive in our supportive school community built on the Lasallian values of faith, service and community. We serve young men from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.

Our program provides a holistic education which includes challenging classes with individualized academic support, afterschool and summer enrichment programming including interscholastic sports teams, counseling, two meals a day and food support on weekends. We also guide our graduates into and through high school and actively assist them with their post-secondary plans.

In small class sizes of sixteen, our academic program combines traditional skill development with innovative STEAM programs like Virtual Reality and Robotics, as well as programs that focus on developing life skills like swimming, cooking, gardening, and financial literacy. 

Recently faculty and staff have delved into research and professional development around The Education of Boys, Project-Based Learning, uses of Artificial Intelligence in the middle school classroom, Trauma Informed Teaching and Social-Emotional Learning. 

San Miguel School is part of a group of Lasallian educational ministries inspired and overseen by the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers), and governed by a Board of Directors. As an independent, tuition-free school, we are charged with raising our annual operating budget of approximately $2M every year mostly from individual donors and foundations. 

ACADEMIC DEAN POSITION

We seek an experienced, collaborative and visionary school leader with a deep passion for our mission. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in creating positive school cultures, as well as experience evaluating and designing curriculum, overseeing and developing staff, and building strong relationships with all constituencies. The Academic Dean works side by side with the Dean of Students in overseeing the day to day life of the school, and reports directly to the Executive Director. He/she also serves on the Leadership Team.

As a Lasallian school, we seek a leader either with experience in another Lasallian ministry or with the willingness to lead a school committed to providing educational opportunity to students from under-resourced communities in a faith-based environment.

Primary Community-Building and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Create a positive school culture where students feel seen, supported and challenged

• Engage and support staff in a way that builds enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to the mission 

• Collaborate with Dean of Students to help bring out the best in each student

• Play a leadership role in all accreditations

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Operations on academic program budget including management of Title I, II and IV federal funds

• Lead the Admissions and re-registration processes with students and families

• Attend all Board meetings and update group on academic goals, trends and results 

Primary Academic Responsibilities:

• Set the strategic vision for and oversee all aspects of the school’s academic program

• Review, assess and guide the development of an engaging, challenging, hands-on curriculum that fits the needs of our students

• Coordinate review of textbooks and other educational resources (including technology) to ensure they are effective tools for curriculum delivery

• Collaborate with appropriate personnel to provide relevant technology tools and trainings for staff

• Plan and lead monthly full faculty meetings and weekly 1:1 teacher meetings

• Observe, supervise and help evaluate teaching staff in implementation of curriculum 

• Lead process for recruiting and hiring all staff who report to the Academic Dean (teachers, asst teachers, instructional coaches, etc)

• Lead or arrange engaging and relevant professional development for teaching staff

• Oversee implementation of standardized testing, lead analysis of results, develop data-driven plans for student learning plans 

• Oversee IEP implementation 

Responsibilities with Families:

• Engage and communicate with families regularly regarding calendar items, events, expectations, special opportunities 

• Schedule and facilitate parent/guardian student/teacher conferences three times a year

Networking and collaboration:

• Collaborate with regional and national partner organizations including DENA (District of Eastern North America, Lasallian regional organization), NativityMiguel Coalition (coalition of similar schools), ISARI (Independent School Association of Rhode Island).

Qualifications:

• College or advanced degree in education or related field

• Significant administrative/teaching experience, preferably in an urban setting 

• Clear and effective communication skills 

• Strong organizational skills

• Knowledge of/interest in the current research on the Education of Boys 

• Familiarity with/interest in trends in education such as Artificial Intelligence, Social-Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practice 

• Experience in another Lasallian ministry or the willingness explore and deepen one’s understanding of Lasallian values and principles

• Growth Mindset

• Sense of humor, flexibility 

Compensation and Benefits:

San Miguel offers a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to 403(b), medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, and support for professional development.

Salary range: $80,000-95,000, commensurate with experience.

Finding the ideal candidate for this role is a priority, and the search will continue until the right leader is identified.

Start Date: July 1, 2026 

How to apply: 

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Academicdeanposition@sanmiguelprov.org

In your cover letter please include:

• What speaks to you about our school’s unique mission 

• A brief statement of your educational philosophy as it relates to our population