Golden Hills School
Interim Head of School
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Coed, JK-8th Grade, Independent Day School
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program
145 students
1060 Suncast Lane, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Educators Collaborative is assisting Golden Hills School (GHS) in its search for an Interim Head of School to begin July 1, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for a leader who finds purpose in Jr. Kindergarten through Grade 8 education at a well-established independent school characterized by a caring and supportive community.
About the School
Since its founding in 1992, Golden Hills School has provided students with a strong academic program enriched by the arts and athletics. As an accredited institution by the California Association of Independent Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and member of the National Association of Independent Schools, Golden Hills School has built a strong reputation by emphasizing small class sizes, a focus on “the whole child,” community service, and a well-balanced comprehensive program spanning academics, athletics and the arts. The school is committed to nurturing a diverse community of learners, and inspires lifelong learning through a balanced and differentiated curriculum. The school prides itself on employing remarkable faculty and staff who care deeply about their students and are invested in their success.
Mission
As the mission states, “Golden Hills School is a close, diverse community dedicated to inspiring a love of learning and empowering each child to achieve his or her personal best. We provide an enriched educational environment that fosters a culture of integrity, respect and service to others. With high standards in academics and character development, we prepare students to be confident and successful global citizens.” (Adopted February, 2013)
The Program
Jr. Kindergarten and Elementary (Grades JK – 5):
From its earliest incarnations as a one-room schoolhouse, GHS has kept its commitment to the three founding principles that guide the ongoing excellence of its program; small class sizes, character education and parent involvement.
In the early elementary years student learning is characterized by a hands-on, experiential approach with subject areas of learning integrated together to provide meaning and context to information and skill building.
A commitment to the early acquisition of the fundamental learning skills of reading, writing, mathematics, technology and public speaking skills allow students in the later elementary years to develop the capacity, confidence and enthusiasm to grow as independent learners, develop their critical and creative thinking skills and then be prepared to take an active role in their education in middle school and beyond.
In addition to the academic program, an important component of the GHS education includes exposure to various enrichment courses. All JK-8 students study Spanish, technology/design, visual arts, performing arts and physical education. Kindergarten through 8th grade students have the opportunity to participate in at least one theater production each year.
Middle School: (Grades 6-8)
Golden Hills School middle school students enjoy a complete educational and enrichment program that prepares students for their choice of private or public high school, college and for life. As an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, GHS offers the Middle Years Program (MYP) for an enhanced academic experience.
As an IB World School, they share a common philosophy with other IB World Schools and a commitment to improving the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programs of international education that share a powerful vision.
The program that is offered to the GHS middle schoolers (Grade 6 to Grade 8) is inquiry and project-based and involves learners in completing end-of-units’ performance tasks that will require them to use acquired content and approaches to learning skills. It ensures that learners become curious thinkers and problem solvers that are willing and ready to take ownership of their learning.
GHS MYP learners are expected to be active members of the community by suggesting activities and services that they would like to offer. The program helps them become lifelong learners by letting them participate in different learning engagements and use acquired skills that will make them future-ready. It also allows them to have multiple opportunities to practice these skills to ensure they have a smooth transition to high school.
As well as a full and comprehensive PE program, the Athletics Program ramps up to full speed in Middle School with six different sports. Basketball, Cross-country, Flag Football, Soccer, Track, and Volleyball are all offered regularly. GHS teams compete against other public and private schools of similar size through the El Dorado Sports League.
GHS has an active parent led Science Olympiad Team. With oversight from the middle school Science teacher, middle school students spend a substantial amount of time outside of school studying, building and preparing for the spring Science Olympiad Competition in Sacramento. In recent years the GHS Team has won at the local level and gone on to the State Science Olympiad Competition.
A variety of leadership and service opportunities throughout the year provide additional opportunities to develop and express strong character skills, confidence and resilience.
The Campus and Area:
Located 30 minutes northeast of Sacramento, Golden Hills School draws students from El Dorado Hills and the surrounding cities. The campus has 6.5 acres dedicated to separate JK, elementary and middle school classrooms. There is a full size gym, full size sports field, dedicated art studio, band room, and stage for performing arts.
Beautiful El Dorado Hills is nestled in the scenic mountain foothills of the Sierras and is often referred to as the gateway to El Dorado County. With elevations ranging from 200 feet to over 10,800 feet, there is tremendous diversity in the landscape and much to discover. Rich in history and with a wide variety of recreational choices, there is something for everyone. El Dorado County is the heart of the most diversified recreational area in California with approximately one million acres of national forest. The greater El Dorado County area provides 10 major reservoirs and has 11,640 acres of lakes. Not only are there an abundance of lakes, the county boasts over 575 miles of rivers and streams that provide habitat for more than 20 known species of fish.
The Sierra provides guests with a variety of ski areas; all within an hour and a half hour drive from El Dorado Hills. These areas offer both Nordic and alpine skiing. Visitors to El Dorado Hills may also enjoy wine tasting and exploring the delightful wineries that have become famous in El Dorado County. Nearby Apple Hill is host to a variety of activities at fruit orchards, pumpkin farms, bake shops, craft fairs and breweries.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Golden Hills School is a private, non-profit school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation in its admissions policies. Golden Hills School welcomes families of all racial, economic, religious and social backgrounds.
Search Calendar
Applications are due by March 17, 2025.
Semi-Finalist Interviews: March 29, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
Finalist Campus Visit (2 Finalists): April 8 and 10
Announcement: April 21, 2025
Application Materials Requested
We encourage a preliminary conversation with Joan Beauregard and/or Eric Temple (see below) to learn more about this exceptional opportunity. Those interested are asked to submit these materials, in the order listed, in a Single Merged Document:
- EC Candidate Summary Sheet (contact consultants, Joan or Eric, for this document)
- Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
- Current résumé
- Statement of educational and leadership philosophy
- Contact information for five or more references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission)
- EC Disclosure Form (contact consultants, Joan or Eric, for this document)
Joan Beauregard, Partner, Educators Collaborative
jbeauregard@educatorscollaborative.com
(206) 851-6616
Eric Temple, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Listing Date: February 27, 2025
A comprehensive compensation and benefits plan, with an anticipated salary range of $170,000 to $185,000. Furnished housing will be provided if needed.
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