Desert Christian Academy Principal

NON-DENOMINATIONAL TOTAL STUDENTS

760 Meet Desert Christian Academy Desert Christian Academy (DCA) is an independent, non-denominational Christian school located in Bermuda Dunes, California. Founded in 1977 by David and Julie Fulton, the school began with just 42 students in leased church classrooms and has since expanded to a 20-acre campus offering programs from preschool through twelfth grade. Fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), DCA is governed by a Board of Trustees and managed by a Head of School and Leadership Team. The institution was established to fulfill a distinct vision: providing Coachella Valley youth with an excellent college-preparatory education that is deeply infused with a Christian worldview. DCA's foundational mission is to train students to glorify Jesus Christ by fostering growth across four core cornerstones: spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. The school operates as a highly relational, Christ-centered community that prioritizes authentic connections, high academic standards, and the integration of biblical truths into all everyday learning. Beyond academics, DCA strongly emphasizes character development, pushing students to become responsible, productive, and well-equipped "Conquerors" ready for a lifetime of Christian service. Staff and families frequently highlight the school's unique family-like atmosphere, its innovative approach to overcoming educational challenges, and its unwavering commitment to keeping Jesus as the absolute focal point of its campus culture. About the Principal The Principal at Desert Christian Academy is a full-time, executive-level position that reports directly to the Head of School. This crucial role oversees the core structure of the school's K-12 educational program, taking charge of comprehensive curriculum implementation, master scheduling, and the hiring, evaluation, and termination of teachers. In addition to managing K-12 instructors and creating their annual professional development plans, the Principal supervises a diverse educational support team that includes the leaders of Culture and Accountability, Curriculum and Instruction, the LEAP program, Guidance, and Reading Intervention. Ultimately, this leader is expected to act as a Christian role model and spiritual mentor to students while utilizing data-driven decision-making to select instructional materials, align with the school's innovative vision, and drive academic excellence across the campus The Principal's responsibilities include: Spiritual Leadership & Mentorship Serve as a Christ-centered role model for students and staff Actively mentor and encourage students in their personal relationship with Christ Educational Strategy & Vision Develop and implement a cohesive, school-wide K-12 curriculum vision in partnership with the Board and Leadership Team Establish and execute graduation outcomes and institute-specific academic standards Lead curriculum evaluation, instructional material selection, and ensure all guides (scope & sequence, unit plans) are current Oversee K-12 data teams to drive data-informed improvements in student outcomes Collaborate with the Head of School to design a master schedule aligned with vision and budget Team Building & Supervision Supervise key academic leaders, including Culture & Accountability, Curriculum & Instruction, LEAP, Guidance, and Reading Intervention Recruit, hire, and develop high-quality educators aligned with DCA's mission Build and structure Flex teams, identifying and equipping strong team leaders Professional Development & Evaluation Design and implement an annual professional development plan aligned with school priorities Oversee teacher evaluation processes and ensure consistent execution Train and support Flex team managers to succeed within the model Program Management & Student Support Provide oversight of specialized programs (LEAP, Reading Intervention, Conqueror Connect, hybrid models) Align student admissions with program capacity, particularly within LEAP Maintain and advance the vision for the Flex program, including oversight of the annual Flex Fair Ensure strong student accountability systems and academic support structures Oversee college and academic guidance efforts Participate in board and administrative meetings, providing regular reports and updates What you bring The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the

Principal:

Education and Experience Master's degree required Prior teaching experience required (K-12) Minimum of 3+ years of relevant leadership experience Background in Christian education strongly preferred Experience with hybrid or university-model education is a plus Personal Characteristics and Qualifications A committed follower of Jesus Christ with an active faith life Full agreement with DCA's Statement of Faith Demonstrates spiritual maturity and Christ-like character in all areas of life Builds trust easily and fosters strong relationships across teams Brings a joyful, engaging presence while maintaining credibility and authority Passionate about excellence and continuous improvement Willing to challenge systems while honoring organizational culture Fully aligned with and energized by DCA's innovative model Teachable, flexible, and willing to serve beyond defined responsibilities Takes time to understand culture before implementing change Strong verbal and written communication skills Able to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with emotional intelligence Operationally strong Highly organized with strong planning and execution skills Experienced in managing systems, people, and priorities effectively Able to engage thoughtfully with the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley Demonstrates awareness of cultural, socioeconomic, and generational dynamics What it's like to live in Bermuda Dunes, CA Living in Bermuda Dunes offers a unique blend of relaxed desert living and rich cultural diversity within the broader Coachella Valley. The community is marked by a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds—from hardworking, agricultural and working-class families to affluent residents—creating a dynamic and deeply interconnected environment. Despite its proximity to vibrant hubs like Palm Desert and Palm Springs, Bermuda Dunes maintains a laid-back, community-oriented feel where generosity, volunteerism, and a strong sense of service are common across all backgrounds. It's an ideal place for someone seeking meaningful work in a values-driven, relational community that appreciates both structure and a slower, more intentional pace of life. Think You're a Great Fit for This Role?