Director of the Upper School

Flint Hill School (Flint Hill or the School), an innovative preparatory school right outside of Washington, D.C., seeks a collaborative, empathetic, and strategic leader to serve as its Director of the Upper School (the Division Director). Flint Hill is known for its student-centered approach to teaching, a diverse and inclusive community, and a strong emphasis on character education; this leader will advance that critical work as an integral member of the senior leadership team. With a Head of School in his third year and a new strategic plan forthcoming, this moment presents an opportunity to further develop an exciting academic and co-curricular vision for the Upper School, centered around the unifying goal of best serving students and families across all divisions.

Founded in 1956, Flint Hill serves students from junior kindergarten through grade twelve, with a total enrollment of approximately 1,045 students and 160 faculty and staff members across two campuses in three academic buildings. Flint Hill was originally founded in 1956 as Flint Hill Preparatory and reorganized in 1990 as Flint Hill School. Since the reorganization, it has evolved into a prominent JK-12 institution that reflects a continuous dedication to excellence, adaptability, and meeting the needs of a changing educational landscape. The School inspires students to reach their greatest potential while maintaining balance and well-being, supporting a holistic approach to academic and personal growth. Flint Hill’s five core values guide every interaction: respect and value all equally, lead and support with compassion, act with integrity, imagine what is possible, and blaze the trail. 47 percent of students identify as students of color, and the Learning Center was one of the first of its kind in the area, providing direct support for students with different learning needs. A culture of support and inclusion allows students to feel welcome and connected from day one, whether they’re a “lifer” or transferring from another school. Flint Hill’s ability to honor its roots while embracing modern advancements has made it a cornerstone of independent education in Northern Virginia. 

The Upper School building —the largest division, with 568 students and 67 faculty across grades 9-12—expanded nearly 25 years ago. The Upper School offers a comprehensive academic program in a supportive, close-knit community, exposing students to more freedom and choice and setting the stage for college life. Flint Hill believes that learning led by curiosity inspires students to develop passion and purpose, and this approach is evident in hands-on learning, senior projects, real-world connections, and student-designed clubs. The Upper School cultivates deep learning and encourages students to pursue all interests. To prepare students for college, four full-time college counselors focus on truly getting to know each student and guiding them to “right-fit” schools. Students graduate as confident self-advocates with the skills and maturity to excel in college and beyond. 

The Director of the Upper School is charged with overseeing the delivery of a robust academic curriculum and building a community and culture that reflects Flint Hill’s mission, vision, core values, and statement of institutional equity and inclusion. The Division Director works closely with the Assistant Director of the Upper School to create a positive and balanced academic climate designed to support all upper school students in reaching their goals. Among various priorities, the Division Director will particularly focus on: serving as the central, visible figure for the Upper School; partnering with an engaged and enthusiastic community of parents and families; operationalizing a new schoolwide strategic plan within the Upper School; providing intellectual leadership and academic vision to amplify the Upper School curriculum; fostering collaboration between divisions and across the student lifecycle; cultivating an inclusive, caring, and supportive community; advancing a commitment to teaching excellence and professional development; and serving as a member of the senior leadership team. 

All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed electronically below. 

Berkley Braden is leading this search with Gigi Mensah, Rachel Banderob, and Katie Rockman. 

Flint Hill School supports and complies with applicable provisions of local, state, and federal law that prohibit discrimination in admission, enrollment, access, or use of its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities; on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, service in the armed forces of the United States, positive HIV/related blood test results, genetic information, disability, and/or any other status or characteristic as defined and to the extent protected by applicable law.