Career Opportunities

Overview

Friends Academy (FA), a pre-K-12 co-ed day school founded in 1876, has a long and distinguished history and is known as one of New York’s finest schools. Offering a first-rate academic program, competitive athletics, and a rich offering of arts, it is also one where the foundation of its Quaker history and principles supports all areas of school life.

Friends Academy is confident in both its identity and mission: a school shaped by and based on Quaker values, set on a beautiful campus, welcoming of people of all backgrounds, staffed by passionate and caring educators, supported by sound financial foundation, sought after in a robust admissions market – and providing a rigorous college preparatory education and matriculating graduates to great universities and colleges. Its mission – “Guided by our Quaker principles, Friends Academy educates our students to discover and develop the best of who they are and who they become” – is lived out every day and on every corner of campus and embraced by all. This is a holistic education, at once intellectual, moral and spiritual; and it is with good reason that many observe, “You can recognize an FA graduate. They are good people.”

Friends Academy is seeking a Lower and Middle School Principal to start on July 1, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a leadership team of dedicated education professionals who are committed to fostering a cohesive experience for both colleagues and parents, as well as ensuring student success.

Mission

Guided by our Quaker principles, Friends Academy educates our students to discover and develop the best of who they are and who they can become.

At a Glance

• Established: 1876
• Total enrollment: 645
• Lower School enrollment: 174
• Middle School enrollment: 147
• Students of color: 47%
• Total faculty: 92
• LS/MS Faculty supervised by LS/MS Principal: 43
• Faculty of color: 12%
• Faculty with advanced degrees: 91%
• Student/teacher ratio: 7:1
• Financial aid budget: $2.6M
• Students receiving aid: 13.5%
• Endowment: $68.4M
• Annual operating budget: $38.8M
• Campus size: 65 acres

Opportunities and Challenges

Empowering Community Connections and Support Systems

• Guide and support the faculty in implementing curriculum, classroom management, and best practice teaching methods while fostering a professional work environment
• Cultivate the professional growth of the faculty and staff through coaching, evaluation, and support in goal-setting
• Collaborate with the Admissions Office to recruit, enroll, and retain students who align with the mission

Enhancing Influence and Building Reputation

• Lead the delivery and development of an ambitious curricular program that challenges and supports students in both divisions
• Serve as a model of professional growth through participation in - and leadership of - seminars, workshops, and other activities that enhance and expand the scope of their leadership work
• Partner with our parent representatives to build community and amplify the student experience

Creating a Joyful Community and a Positive Environment

• Partner with the faculty and support staff to ensure that the Lower and Middle Schools’ program and culture optimally support students’ academic achievement, engagement, well-being, and sense of belonging
• Continue to elevate and cultivate a culture of high standards and accountability for students and faculty, and promote a positive school environment
• Work closely with new families to welcome them into the school community and enhance their understanding of the school’s culture
• Engage the whole community and participate in activities that contribute to the life of the school.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

Professional Qualifications

• An experienced, proven and confident leader who has shown the ability to execute strategy and manage all facets of a complex multi-division organization – that is, a strong chief executive
• A genuine eagerness to embrace Quaker principles as keys to understanding, building and strengthening community and school excellence – that is, a leader who embodies the core values of the school
• An effective, powerful and persuasive communicator, in speech and print, and someone who can effectively articulate the uniqueness of the Friends Academy experience – that is, an inspiring storyteller
• A leadership style that includes deep listening to many voices and the ability to make decisions when needed.
• A passion for diversity – that is, a steward of culture whose alignment with Quaker values unites a welcoming, inclusive and equitable community that “sees the light” in each member
• The ability to write and speak clearly and inspiringly to all stakeholder groups: parents, students, colleagues, members of the Board of Trustees, and a host of community partners
• Demonstrated success in leading change and innovation within a school context
• A visible presence in each division, warm and compassionate approach, along with an understanding of the various facets of the student journey
• A proven ability to articulate larger vision and strategic priorities combined with the skills to administer and manage needed day-to-day systems and practices – that is, a leader who is comfortable in both “the balcony and the dance floor.”
• The ability to attract, hire, retain and grow talent – that is, a leader who enhances the school’s most valuable resource, its people
• A passion for teaching and best practices in pedagogy and a deep interest in supporting the growth of faculty – that is, a leader who is fundamentally an educator
• Proven experience in creating healthy institutional culture – that is, a leader who understands that school mission cannot be accomplished without a culture based on accountability, values, traditions and practices embraced by all

Leadership Style

Friends Academy seeks a leader who:

• Can foster collaboration, create teams, and find consensus
• Brings warmth, humility, and trust in all interactions and decision-making
• Will set high standards, support community members as they seek excellence, and establish transparent ways to ensure accountability
• Has the ability to understand complex problems and the courage to make difficult decisions
• Can effectively create and manage needed change even as they respect and value traditions and history
• Can inspire others to embrace and follow a compelling vision

Personal Qualities

• Goodness. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will model the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, service and stewardship
• Deep and enthusiastic interest in the day-to-day work of the school and a love of engagement with faculty, staff, students and parents. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will be highly visible and constantly present
• Strong interpersonal skills and high order emotional intelligence. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will connect easily and develop deep and meaningful relationships with all community members
• Capacity to foster conversations, guided by the school’s Quaker values, among those with disparate views in order to find common ground – and where it cannot be found, to model and create effective listening, respect and acceptance. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will bring empathy, competence and confidence into challenging dialogue
• Resilience, conviction, empathy, and optimism in the face of challenge and setback. Friends Academy is seeking a leader to whom the community will instinctively turn to during difficult times and find in that person inspiration, consistency and direction
• Charisma, energy and enthusiasm. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will inspire all community members – second grader and senior, faculty and staff, trustee and graduate, parent and neighbor
• Commitment. Friends Academy is seeking a leader who will sink deep roots in the school, be eager to lead for the long term, and excited at the prospect of leaving a powerful legacy

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and list of five professional references to:

• John P. Faubert, Director of Placement Services Carney Sandoe & Associates john.faubert@carneysandoe.com
• Kim Peeples, Senior Consultant Carney Sandoe & Associates kim.peeples@carneysandoe.com

Please do not contact the school directly.

The full-time equivalent salary range for this position is $250,000 per year. Complimentary school-provided housing will be included as part of the compensation and benefit package. The starting salary is based upon, but not limited to, several factors that include years of experience, education level, and expertise. Friends Academy offers a comprehensive competitive benefits package, which includes tuition remission and matching retirement plan contributions.

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week. Our daycare is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M-F.

Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Fall 2025

About Friends Academy: Friends Academy, an Independent Quaker Day School (PS-12th Grade), is located on a 65-acre campus on the picturesque North Shore of Long Island. Our educational journey begins in our nurturing daycare program, known as Little Friends. Licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Little Friends caters to children aged 6 weeks to 3 years old. This program is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where our youngest learners can explore, play, and develop essential skills through guided activities and age-appropriate curricula.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must effectively fulfill the essential duties and physical requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing these requirements. 

Essential Duties of Assistant Teachers (duties may change and others may be assigned): 

• Assist lead teachers in planning and implementing daily lesson plans and activities that promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• Support children in their daily routines, including meal times, nap times, and bathroom breaks.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment, ensuring all toys and equipment are sanitized and in good condition.
• Observe children and monitor their progress, reporting any concerns to the lead teacher or daycare supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding their child’s daily activities and development.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging social interactions and providing emotional support as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions as required.
• Adhere to daycare policies and procedures,OCFS regulations, including health and safety regulations.

Education/Experience:

• Experience with young children is required; experience in a daycare or early childhood setting is preferred.
• Education: Must possess a high school degree or equivalent (GED).
• All teachers must obtain clearance through NYSOCFS and complete Friends Academy's pre-employment screening.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Treat others with respect and uphold organizational values with integrity.
• Demonstrate experience working with young children in a program setting.
• Exhibit flexibility and professionalism in teamwork.
• Show passion for early childhood education and commitment to diversity initiatives.
• Possesses effective written and verbal communication skills, with minimal supervision required.
• Be dependable and punctual, ensuring responsibilities are met during absences.
• Follow instructions as directed and take responsibility for one's own actions.
• Demonstrate sound judgment.

Hourly Pay Rate: $17 per hour. Full-time employees qualify for the school's benefit plan offerings, including Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Plans, a Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and additional benefits. Visit our website: www.fa.org

Interested candidates should submit a resume to the Karen_Galvin@fa.org,  Daycare Director, with at least two professional references for consideration.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Able to sit on the floor with children. 

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Friends Academy is committed to our guiding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates representing the diversity of the world as we deepen and elevate our educational program. 

Friends Academy is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to hiring and retaining exceptional, dedicated people of diverse backgrounds. We consider qualified individuals for employment with the School regardless of age, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. It is Friends Academy’s policy to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. 

We invite you to view our Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion webpage.

Work Schedule: Schedule to be determined. Our daycare is open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M-F.

Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Start Date: Fall 2025

About Friends Academy: Friends Academy, an Independent Quaker Day School (PS-12th Grade), is located on a 65-acre campus on the picturesque North Shore of Long Island. Our educational journey begins in our nurturing daycare program, known as Little Friends. Licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Little Friends caters to children aged 6 weeks to 3 years old. This program is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment where our youngest learners can explore, play, and develop essential skills through guided activities and age-appropriate curricula.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must effectively fulfill the essential duties and physical requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing these requirements. 

Essential Duties of Assistant Teachers (duties may change and others may be assigned): 

• Assist lead teachers in planning and implementing daily lesson plans and activities that promote the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• Support children in their daily routines, including meal times, nap times, and bathroom breaks.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment, ensuring all toys and equipment are sanitized and in good condition.
• Observe children and monitor their progress, reporting any concerns to the lead teacher or daycare supervisor.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding their child’s daily activities and development.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging social interactions and providing emotional support as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions as required.
• Adhere to daycare policies and procedures,OCFS regulations, including health and safety regulations.

Education/Experience:

• Experience with young children is required; experience in a daycare or early childhood setting is preferred.
• Education: Must possess a high school degree or equivalent (GED).
• All teachers must obtain clearance through NYSOCFS and complete Friends Academy's pre-employment screening.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Treat others with respect and uphold organizational values with integrity.
• Demonstrate experience working with young children in a program setting.
• Exhibit flexibility and professionalism in teamwork.
• Show passion for early childhood education and commitment to diversity initiatives.
• Possesses effective written and verbal communication skills, with minimal supervision required.
• Be dependable and punctual, ensuring responsibilities are met during absences.
• Follow instructions as directed and take responsibility for one's own actions.
• Demonstrate sound judgment.

Hourly Pay Rate: $17 per hour

Interested candidates should submit a resume to the Karen_Galvin@fa.org,  Daycare Director, with at least two professional references for consideration.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Able to sit on the floor with children. 

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Friends Academy is committed to our guiding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome candidates representing the diversity of the world as we deepen and elevate our educational program. 

Friends Academy is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to hiring and retaining exceptional, dedicated people of diverse backgrounds. We consider qualified individuals for employment with the School regardless of age, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. It is Friends Academy’s policy to comply with all applicable laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. 

We invite you to view our Diversity, Equity, + Inclusion webpage.