The Master's School Head of School Opportunity Profile

Opportunity Profile
Head of School
THE MASTER’S SCHOOL | West Simsbury, CT

Greetings
Dear Prospective Head of School Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in The Master’s School (TMS) Head of School role. We hope this
Opportunity Profile provides you with an understanding of our mission and our role in Christian
education, as well as the key qualities we seek in our next leader.
We are seeking a Head of School who will build upon our strong foundation and find new
opportunities for excellence. Nestled on a beautiful, wooded 76-acre, ten-building
campus, The Master’s School is one of the top private schools in the Hartford area by niche.
com. But TMS is striving to offer more than just academic excellence. Over the past 50 years,
TMS has grown into an exceptionally close-knit community in which students and teachers are a
family. We don’t believe our educational job is done until we’ve nurtured and cultivated each
student’s unique intellectual and spiritual gifts. Like many Christian schools, we have enrollment
challenges, particularly in the high school, but we know we are called to a greater impact and
have a wonderful story to tell.
Thank you for considering us, and we welcome your exploration of this profile. As a search
committee, we are already praying for the Lord to bless the candidates who want to learn more
about us, and we are eager to see who God calls to lead The Master’s School as its next Head
of School.
We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile and to explore the website. If
your talents and experience qualify you as a candidate, we invite you to review the Process of
Candidacy section and follow the instructions provided. If you have questions, please contact
Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff (615-261-4623), the JobfitMatters consultants who are leading this
search.
Sincerely,
David M. Houf, Esq.
Chair, Head of School Search Committee

Mission and Vision
Mission
The Master’s School glorifies Jesus Christ by providing an excellent education in a supportive
environment in order to equip students to impact the world for Christ both now
and in the future.
Vision
Challenging students to strive for Christian maturity and academic excellence in a safe
and supportive community, grounded in a Biblical worldview.
Core Values
Commitment to Excellence in Education
Commitment to Integrity (in character, conduct, and conversation)
Commitment to Biblical Truth
For more on each of the core values, see https://www.masterschool.org/about-us/mission-vision-and-values.

Statement of Faith
• We believe that there is one God, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.
• We believe Jesus Christ is God, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His
death that paid for our sin, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of
the Father, and in His future personal return in power and glory.
• We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, who lives within and guides believers,
empowering them for godly living, and equipping them for service and witness.
• We believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, fully inspired and without error.
• We believe that God created all human beings in His image. We believe that every person
should be treated with love, dignity and respect.
• We believe that life is eternal for both the saved and the lost. Those who choose salvation
by grace through faith in Jesus Christ will live eternally with God, and those who reject Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior will live eternally apart from God.
• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of
knowing God and making Him known.

History
“Many people believe in miracles, but not all have the opportunity to participate in one. It has been my privilege to experience the wonder not only of watching,
but also of being immersed in the awesome work of God as The Master’s School emerged step by step from an idea to a reality.” (Del Tomkiel-co-founder)
1969
Throughout the fall, winter, and spring of 1969-70, a group met in
West Hartford at the home of Art and Ginny Miller and discussed
the many aspects of starting a Christian school.
1997
A new building that connects the gym with the locker rooms was
built.
1970
With a building and Headmaster in place, The Master’s School
opened in September with 52 students in kindergarten through
grade 3 and grades 8 and 9. Soon the program grew to grades
K-12.
2000
2005
The dining hall was built.
The first section of the Lower School was completed.
1972
Enrollment grew to a point where more space was already needed,
so the Board took another step of faith and built a new Lower
School building in the meadow behind the barn. The Board also
bought army buildings near the border of Avon for the Middle
and Upper Schools. Parents, students, and teachers transformed
the ugly buildings into bright, welcoming spaces that would serve
as home for grades 7-12
2007
2009
The west wing of the Lower School was completed.
The preschool, early kindergarten and kindergarten moved from
their off-site locations to the new Lower School building. Now all
classes from preschool through Grade 12 were united on one
campus.
1976
1979
The Masters’ School was granted initial accreditation with the
New England Association of Schools and Colleges for the next
10 years.
A 225-acre tract of land on Westledge Road was secured via a
lease-with-option-to-buy. The Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools
could eventually come together on the new property.
2019
The Master’s School’s Jubilee Celebration launched on October
12, 2019 and will continue for 20 months concluding with
Graduation 2021. “Our greatest reason for celebration is to honor
the God who has led us step by step and who will lead us in the
future through the miracle of ‘education from the inside out’ in a
place which is truly The Master’s School.”
1989
After a successful capital campaign, a gym was built.
The heart of The Master’s School has remained the same through headmaster changes, faculty and staff changes, many hundreds of students
and campus modifications. The Master’s School continues to be a community where parents, faculty, staff and students all contribute to the
daily life and to the growth of the school.

At-A-Glance
ENROLLMENT
35 GRADES 6-8
40 GRADES 9-12
FINANCIAL AID
FINANCIAL
TOTAL
ENROLLMENT
194
35 PRESCHOOL
84 GRADES EK-5
STUDENT
DIVERSITY
36%
Around 64% of school families received financial aid.
More than $1,143,400 in financial aid was awarded in
the 2020-2021 school year, $1,198,600 last year and
$896,900 is budgeted this year.
$ANNUAL BUDGET 2019-2020: $3,637,600
ANNUAL BUDGET 2020-2021: $2,270,700
GIVING FOR 2019-2020: $1,083,300* total
• $1,028,200 annual giving
• 55,100 restricted giving
• $0 capital giving
*avg. giving is approx. $465,000 per year
TOTAL DEBT: $1,243,300
FACULTY
29
TOTAL
41%
6.5/1
STUDENT/FACULTY
RATIO
HOLD
ADVANCED
DEGREES
TUITION 2020-2021
CLASS OF 2020
SAT SCORES
ENGLISH 571
MATH 614
14
LOWER SCHOOL
(PRESCHOOL)
+
PRESCHOOL $2,730 - $5,790
EK/K $10,310/$11,450
1ST – 2ND $14,365
3RD-5TH $16,385
6TH - 8TH $19,355
9TH-12TH $22,160
83% FOUR-YEAR
college placement
of TMS students who
applied to 4-year college
were accepted
100%
15
UPPER & MIDDLE
SCHOOL
100% PASS RATE
for AP Bio, Statistics and
US Government
COLLEGE MATRICULATION
Babson College, MA
Bates College, ME
Belmont University, TN
Bentley University, MA
Boston College, MA
Boston University, MA
Brown University, RI
Cedarville University, OH
Colgate University, NY
College of the Holy Cross, MA
Duke University, NC
George Washington University, DC
Georgetown University, DC
Gordon College, MA
Houghton College, NY
Johns Hopkins University, MD
ACCREDITATION
Below is a sampling of the colleges TMS
graduates have been accepted to over
the past few years:
For a full list, see the school profile.
Messiah College, PA
Northeastern University, MA
Northwestern University, IL
Pennsylvania State University, PA
Pepperdine University, CA
Rochester Institute of Tech, NY
Taylor University, IN
University of California-Berkley, CA
University of Connecticut, CT
University of Virginia, VA
Vanderbilt University, TN
Villanova University, PA
Virginia Technical Institute, VA
Wake Forest University, NC
Westmont College, CA
Wheaton College, IL
Accredited by: NEASC – New England Association of
Schools and Colleges
Members of: CAIS – Connecticut Association of
Independent Schools, ACSI – Association of Christian
Schools International

Highlights
Campus: The Master’s School is located on a beautiful 76-acre, 10 building campus nestled in
the woods atop a hill in West Simsbury, CT. The beautiful campus allows learning and
relationships to extend beyond the classroom.
AP and College Credit Courses: TMS’ Upper School curriculum includes four Advanced
Placement courses and four College Credit Courses. Dual-enrollment courses for college credit
allow students to begin college with credits on their college transcripts which can save both
time and money.
Spiritual Life: At all grade levels, TMS nurtures Christ-centered relationships and equips
students with tools to cultivate their relationship with Christ. In addition to meaningful facultystudent
relationships and faith integration in the classroom, TMS nurtures the spiritual life of
students through Bible classes, Chapels, Spiritual Focus Weeks, Retreats, Missions trips, Oneon-One
mentoring, and Small groups.
Community Service: The Master’s School students perform a significant amount of
community service hours annually. TMS believes service is a vital part of what it means to follow
Christ and to live as a reflection of Him in this world. Students throughout all divisions at The
Master’s School are taught to serve others. They serve at school and in their local community.
Athletics: The Master’s School athletic program is a vehicle by which the goals and objectives
in the school’s Statement of Mission and Purpose can be fulfilled. The athletic and physical
education departments work together to address the physical developmental needs of
students as they attend The Master’s School. Our athletic department attempts to create an
environment in which student athletes have an opportunity to develop educational and
spiritual values. Included are intellectual, spiritual, social, moral, emotional, cultural, vocational,
and physical aspects of human development. Building character through sportsmanship
includes loyalty, cooperation, teamwork, and spiritual advancement. The Master’s School has a
unique no-cut policy, which allows all interested students to participate on a team each season.
Our Middle and Upper School students can join one of our many sports teams, including
soccer, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and ultimate frisbee.
Arts: The Visual and Performing Arts at The Master’s School connect creativity, faith, and
community through education, exhibition, and performance. The arts are uniquely Godcentered
and student-focused. Visual and Performing Arts classes explore traditional and
contemporary perspectives. All ability levels participate in lively art courses. Each discovers
the value of creativity beyond the classroom and participates in community events, regional
exhibitions and competitions including the Scholastic Art Awards.

Head of School Profile
The Head of School is charged with the overall responsibility for the operation of the entire school in accordance with the by-laws and policies approved by
the Board of Trustees. The Head of School will report to the Board of Trustees, which currently consists of 6 members. The Head will provide Christ-centered,
biblically-based and spiritual leadership to all aspects of the school, and will be responsible for all day-to-day business, spiritual, academic, and co-curricular
operations. Additionally, this leader will be the chief spokesperson for The Master’s School with the various constituencies of the TMS community: students,
parents, alumni, staff and faculty, donors, community leaders, organizations, and the Board of Trustees.
Currently reporting to the Head of School are the Lower and Middle School Director, Upper School Director, Athletic Manager, Admissions Coordinator, Event
and Communications Manager, International Student Coordinator, Director of Facilities, Business Office Director.
HEAD OF
SCHOOL
LS AND MS
DIRECTOR
UPPER SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
ATHLETIC
MANAGER
ADMISSIONS
COORDINATOR
EVENT AND
COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT
COORDINATOR
DIRECTOR
OF FACILITIES
BUSINESS OFFICE
DIRECTOR
Spiritual Leadership The Head of the Master’s School has the primary responsibility of the spiritual life on campus, to ensure that students develop strong
habits for maturing in their spiritual walk with Christ and growth in their personal self-discipline. Likewise, the Head ensures that specific attention is paid
to the spiritual vitality of faculty and staff, and how they can positively influence the students. The Head will model a Christ-like attitude and lifestyle and will
demonstrate sensitivity, compassion, patience, honesty, and wisdom in all interactions with staff, students, parents, board members, and other community members.
Strategic Organizational Leadership The Head of School provides strategic high-level direction, recommends visionary goals to the Board, promotes
those approved goals and diligently oversees the implementation of them. He or she collaborates with and supervises the leadership team, ensuring they
effectively lead all other staff.
Academic Leadership The Head of School assists The Master’s School leadership team in the improvement of instruction, curriculum alignment, supervision
of staff, selection of curriculum, and administration of disciplinary action for students and staff. The Head is responsible for developing a program of professional
development to maximize staff growth, advancement and academic excellence.
Fundraising Leadership and Financial Management The Head of School will enthusiastically promote the school to the broader Farmington
Valley community enhancing The Master’s School’s reputation to increase enrollment and fundraising. The Head monitors enrollment trends and seeks to
understand what is driving these trends. This leader also oversees the operation of the business office; information technology; accounting/finance; and
building maintenance.
Relational and Communication Skills The Head of The Master’s School will be a unifying and effective communicator (in writing, one on one, small
groups or from a podium) for TMS with faculty and staff, the Board, parents, and outside constituencies on all relevant matters. This person is an effective team
builder, ensuring that meaningful communication and collaboration are part of the decision-making process. Of course, the Head is a vibrant physical presence
on campus, including at sporting or special events, to establish consistent visibility, rapport and encouragement with students, faculty, staff and parents.

Ideal Candidate
Where is the Ideal Candidate Today?
One might assume that the ideal candidate will currently be a leader of a Christian school,
but the right leader may come from a variety of vocations. We believe someone from one
of the following areas may have the skills and experiences that are needed to lead The
Master’s School. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to encourage potential
candidates to understand the breadth of experiences that may fit well in this position:
• An experienced leader of a Christian K-12 school
• A successful private or public-school leader who believes strongly in Christian education,
has a solid Biblical background, and has a significant understanding of
non-profits, boards and fundraising.
• An organizational leader outside education who brings significant years of Board
and/or leadership experience in a Christian school

Expectations
Successful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well its leader meets the expectations of
its Board, meets the needs of its students, and responds to the input of its faculty, administration, parents, and
other constituent groups. In this case, these goals can be described as capitalizing on The Master’s School’s
strengths while implementing changes to overcome financial and enrollment challenges.
The administration and Board developed a Strategic Plan in 2020 that will be further refined in collaboration
with the new Head of School. This three-year plan includes the following objectives:
• Enrollment – Increased enrollment is the key to the success of fulfilling the mission of the school.
All of us as part of The Master’s School family play a role as ambassadors for the school. The
Admissions Department has taken steps to improve the enrollment process and will continue to work
at increasing the enrollment of the school.
• Finance and Marketing – Create a responsible financial plan that provides full funding for the
school with no operating deficits, while wisely stewarding the resources of the school and school
community. Like most private schools, The Master’s School cannot operate on tuition revenues alone,
so increased financial giving is a must. The fact that we do not have a large endowment to rely on
requires financial giving on the part of our families to allow the school to operate as we all know and love.
• Faculty – Recruit, retain and develop a first-rate professional faculty capable of mentoring, teaching,
and leading our students.
• Teaching and Learning – Establish an academic culture that prepares students to apply a biblical
framework to their academic studies, so they are able to thoughtfully address the important issues
found in their future studies and vocations.
• Student Activities – Expand our student activities to enhance the school experience for students.
• Facilities – A continued vision on expansion and maintenance of our facilities.
What does success look like? It seems reasonable to expect that in the next five years, The Master’s
School could be back at an enrollment of at least 300 from the current ~ 200. The middle and upper school
will be strong, and overall communication will be optimized with an excellent, inspired, best in class faculty
and staff. An ever-improving and thriving arts, music and athletic program is desired. Ideally, the next Head
of School will build upon TMS’ external partnerships and donors to significantly expand the ability to offer
scholarships to mission fit families. We easily imagine the next Head of School helping TMS to be the best
it can be for the maximum Kingdom impact in the Farmington Valley and beyond, and that he or she and
their family flourishes at TMS for many, many years to come.

The Location
Simsbury, CT (Hartford)
Simsbury lies in the northern end of
the Farmington Valley. The east side of
Simsbury, going toward the Capital city of
Hartford, is flanked by Talcott Mountain, part
of the Metacomet Ridge. This mountainous
trap rock ridgeline stretches from Long
Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border.
Notable features of the Metacomet Ridge
in Simsbury include Heublein Tower, Talcott
Mountain State Park, Penwood State Park,
and the Tariffville Gorge of the Farmington
River. The 51-mile (82 km) Metacomet Trail
traverses the ridge. At the western foot of the mountain, near the Farmington River, grows
the Pinchot Sycamore, the largest tree in Connecticut.
The population in Simsbury has grown from 5,000 in 1950 to today’s population of over
23,000. The town covers an area of approximately 34.5 square miles and is geographically
located in Hartford County, approximately 14.5 miles west of the capital city Hartford. While
Simsbury has experienced development in the past few decades, the Town government has
been sensitive to maintaining the rural environment and historic charm that makes Simsbury
the quintessential New England Community.

Process of Candidacy
If, after reading this Opportunity Profile, you sense that the gifts and experience God has given you
are a good match for The Master’s School, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. We handle all
candidate information and conversations confidentially. You may contact Laura Coverstone at any
stage of the process for more information and to ask questions (see contact information below).
Please provide the following for review:
• A current resume
• Responses to the following essay questions
1. Describe your spiritual journey of faith in Jesus Christ. How has your relationship with Jesus
Christ shaped your career and influenced your decision to apply for this position?
2. Describe your experience with Christian education, both personally and professionally.
How would you define the marks of “educational excellence” in a 21st century Christian
school?
• Provide the names and contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for four
references who know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for the
Head of School position at The Master’s School. (References will only be contacted after we
have requested and received your permission to do so.)
Submit this information in one document or .pdf to:
Laura Coverstone
JobfitMatters
resumes@jobfitmatters.com
Phone: 615-261-4623
In the subject line of the email, please write “The Master’s School HOS”
SEARCH TIMELINE: All candidate information will be reviewed upon receipt and candidate review
will continue until a Head of School is selected. The selected candidate can start July 2021 or by
July 2022 at the latest. The quality of the candidate “fit” is more important than the timeline.