Upper School Principal

ACIS accredits, supports, and advances the interests of Colorado independent schools.

CA seeks an inspiring, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as its next Upper School Principal, beginning July 2026. This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a division that exemplifies academic excellence, innovation, and whole-child education at one of the country’s premier independent schools. The next Upper School Principal will join Colorado Academy at a time of optimism and momentum— with strong enrollment, a strategic vision for innovation, and a thriving culture of faculty and student engagement, led by Head of School Dr.

Mike Davis. The Principal will shape the lives of young people and the educators who teach them—and help ensure CA continues to lead as one of the most dynamic, inclusive, and well-rounded educational institutions in the country.

Situated on a picturesque, 95-acre campus in Denver, Colorado Academy (CA) serves approximately 1,050 students from 65 zip codes across the city, from Pre-K through Grade 12. Nationally recognized for its dynamic programming, commitment to inclusivity, and mission of “creating curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners and leaders,” CA’s Upper School enrolls approximately 450 students who thrive in a collaborative, forward-looking environment supported by highly skilled faculty, engaged families, and a deep sense of community.

The Upper School at Colorado Academy is both rigorous and deeply human. Through a blend of traditional disciplines and progressive practices, students are empowered to engage authentically with the world around them.

Highlights of the Upper School program include:

• A full complement of Advanced Studies and Research (ASR) classes, through which students develop mastery through depth of study and a learning orientation that connects to the broader world
• Additional coursework that cultivates love of learning—from a multitude of electives in arts, engineering, and entrepreneurship; to math and science Advanced Placement courses; to courses that explore singular topics in great depth; to advanced coursework in three World Languages
• Over 50 clubs and activities, supporting leadership, service, and identity exploration
• Athletics in 19 competitive sports and a culture where students regularly exceed the school’s arts requirements
• Robust experiential education, encompassing global travel, outdoor education, and a comprehensive service learning framework
• Junior and Senior Capstone Projects, where students pursue personal passions through self-directed, community-informed projects in the REDI Lab
• Intentionally designed student support, through engaged teachers, supportive counselors, advisors who remain with student cohorts for all four years, and grade level deans

Faculty relish relationships with students and each other (“We have a lot of fun working together.”) and appreciate an environment where they are trusted and respected as professionals. Students describe CA as a place where “there is no one way to be,” and the Upper School proudly cultivates a learning environment where each student is known, respected, and encouraged to pursue their own path.

The Upper School Principal serves as the educational leader for grades 9–12 and is a key member of CA’s senior administrative team. Reporting to the Head of School, the Principal oversees the nearly 75 faculty and staff of the Upper School, including grade-level deans, the college counseling office, personal counselors, registrar, and teaching faculty. The Principal will guide the continued evolution of a strong academic program while prioritizing student wellness, professional development, and meaningful, inclusive community-building.

Working in partnership with the Lower School Principal, Middle School Principal, Assistant Head of School, and other senior leaders, the Upper School Principal will play a critical role in helping the school realize its strategic vision and evolve with our changing world.

• The next Upper School Principal will have the opportunity to:
• Continue to refine the Upper School curriculum, with particular…