Sidwell Friends, a co-educational independent Quaker day school in Washington, DC, seeks an Assistant Principal for Student Life for its Middle School Division (grades 5-8).

The Assistant Principal for Student life works closely with the principal on all matters relating to student life beyond the academic experience, including working with faculty/staff and students to strengthen community and build a culture of respect, integrity, and joy based on the Schools Quaker values.

The Assistant Principal for Student Life is responsible for overseeing the advisory and student life program, managing attendance, implementing emergency protocols, and supervising and administering the student discipline program. The Assistant Principal for Student Life, in collaboration with other members of the middle school team, oversees student orientation, student activities, and clubs. The Assistant Principal for Student Life also partners closely The Assistant Principal for Academics and the Athletic Director to coordinate and bridge the different aspects of the student experience.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability and the wisdom to maintain the delicate balance between having compassion for students while maintaining the school’s community values and standards. The ability to communicate effectively with all constituents (students, parents/guardians, faculty/staff), in both oral and written formats, is essential for this role. High emotional intelligence and a growth-oriented mindset is required.

Tone and Culture:

• Actively collaborates with teachers/staff/administration to proactively create a culture reflective of Quaker values
• Provides opportunities for students to have a voice in fostering a positive culture through different initiatives and leadership spaces
• Is consistent and clear in expectation setting and communication
• Uses Quaker decision making as indicated
• Clerks Culture and Community Committee and facilitates recommendations related to the committee's work

Oversight of Student Life Program:

• Coordinates affinity groups and clubs
• Plans special days related to school culture and student programming
• Manage special schedules for assemblies, presentations, and school events
• Coordinates MS Service Learning and Community Engagement in collaboration with all-school Center for Ethical Leadership coordinator
• Supports Student Leadership Team and other student-led initiatives
• Coordinates Minimester in partnership with all-school Experiential Programs Coordinator

Discipline and Student Accountability:

• Manages all routine discipline and works to create clear community expectations through proactive programming and communications
• Maintains accurate and confidential records related to discipline, including written communications to families about more serious discipline
• Collaborates with counselors when restorative conversations are indicated after disciplinary matters have been handled

Scheduling and Placement:

• Works with members of the Student Support Team to place students into homerooms, teams, and advisories
• With consultation from Principal, creates daily schedules for teachers and students
• Creates and manages spreadsheets and documents for schedules, student life rosters, and placement

A masters degree and a minimum of five years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator are required. Independent school experience is preferred. An appreciation for the School’s commitment to academic and personal excellence, Quaker values, and the prizing of diversity and environmental stewardship is essential.

Salary

• Salary Range $110,000-$130,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

This position starts July 1, 2026. To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a formal cover letter expressing interest in this particular position, resume, an educational philosophy statement and contact information for three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?

About Sidwell Friends School

Sidwell Friends School (SFS) is a PK-12, co-educational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda, Maryland. Founded in 1883, the School is a nonprofit, tax-exempt institution governed by an independent Board of Trustees. A Sidwell Friends education aims to help students become the leaders of the future. To that end, the School seeks qualified individuals with the knowledge, skills, and ability to enhance the student experience and strengthen our community. Sidwell Friends maintains a generous salary and benefits package that supports and rewards our employees while helping them to deepen their professional expertise and grow as individuals. For teaching positions, a master’s degree and teaching experience in the field are preferred; a bachelor’s degree is required. For staff positions, we seek candidates with relevant experience, a commitment to excellence, and an enthusiasm for being a member of our vibrant and diverse community.

Connections working at Sidwell Friends School