Head of School

About this role

Head of School

About the School Founded in 1992 as an outreach ministry of The Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church (PCA), Kirk Day School (KDS) exists to serve Christian families in the St. Louis community by providing a Christ-centered education for students in preschool through sixth grade. What began as a small covenant school has become a trusted partner for parents seeking both academic excellence and spiritual formation rooted in a biblical worldview.

Located in West St. Louis County, KDS offers a close-knit environment where faith, learning, and community intersect each day. The school’s mission, to assist Christian parents in the nurture and education of their children according to the truth of God’s Word, shapes every classroom, program, and relationship. Teachers know their students deeply, guiding them toward curiosity, confidence, and character that reflect Jesus Christ.

With an enrollment of approximately 255 students and a faculty of 26, forty-two percent of whom hold advanced degrees, KDS is large enough to offer a rich and balanced program yet small enough to maintain the intimacy and partnership that define its culture. The school holds accreditation from Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and maintains active membership in the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), the Independent Schools Association of St. Louis (ISSL) and the Christian School Association of St. Louis (CSASL). Now in its fourth decade of ministry, Kirk Day School stands as a vibrant extension of The Kirk of the Hills’ vision, preparing the next generation of believers to think biblically, love deeply, and serve faithfully in God’s world.

Mission To assist Christian parents in the nurture of Covenant children, educating them in a Christian world and life view, according to the truth of God’s Word, equipping them to be disciples of Christ, impacting His world.

Vision To partner with families and to help their Covenant children assess their world through the lens of Scripture while providing the richest education possible. The goal is for students to make an impact for St. Louis and the Kingdom.

Foundational Principles The foundation of the school is solidly built upon the Bible. With that firm foundation, the faculty examine the best teaching practices, study and assess the best curricula for students, work diligently to help them develop as leaders, assist parents in their roles of raising the next generation, and regularly evaluate the extra-curricular activities students experience. The goal is to teach students Biblical wisdom coupled with a cultural literacy rooted in rich academics, thereby providing the best elementary education in St. Louis.

Campus Growth and Facilities Expansion The school partners with the Kirk of the Hills Church in the use and stewardship of a 55,000-square-foot campus that provides a warm, well-equipped environment for learning and community life. It includes 27 classrooms, a library, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for art, music, Spanish, and physical education. Beyond academics, the campus serves as a daily gathering place for worship, play, and fellowship, reflecting the school’s belief that every part of a child’s education, including the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical, should work together to honor God.

In response to continued growth and the need for additional space, the school launched an ambitious expansion that is now in its final stages and will open for the 2026-27 school year. The project adds 26,000 square feet, growing the campus footprint by nearly fifty percent to more than 80,000 square feet, and delivers a dedicated school entrance, a new gymnasium, a new library, and six new classrooms, bringing the total to 33. It also adds a redesigned administrative suite with private offices and collaborative workspaces, a nurse station, a reception area, and offices for athletics, physical education, and learning support. A concurrent interior renovation is refreshing existing spaces across campus as well.

This investment in space and infrastructure reflects more than a building project. It represents a commitment to stewarding the mission for future generations. As the school looks ahead to its next chapter, the expanded campus will provide a dynamic environment that supports excellent teaching, deep community, and the Christ-centered formation of every student.

Academics Kirk Day School provides a Christ-centered academic program that balances intellectual challenge with spiritual for- mation and character development. The curriculum is built on a biblical worldview and designed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Teachers partner closely with parents to ensure that each child grows in wisdom and confidence, developing the habits of mind and heart needed to live faithfully in the world God has made.

Preschool Elementary School Building a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Preparing Students to Lead and Serve The preschool program introduces children to the joy The elementary program provides a strong academic of learning in a warm, nurturing environment. Students foundation in core subjects while integrating biblical are guided through play-based and hands-on activities truth across all disciplines. Students are taught that encourage early literacy, number awareness, and to think critically, solve problems creatively, and social development. Each day blends structure with express themselves clearly in both written and exploration, helping children see God’s design in the spoken language. The curriculum is enriched through world around them while building the skills needed for science, history, and literature studies that point to future academic success. God’s sovereignty and design. An average class size of sixteen students allows for personal attention and teachers strive to know each student deeply— Kindergarten intellectually, spiritually, and personally—so that learning Growing in Confidence and Curiosity becomes both rigorous and relational. Kindergarten at KDS bridges early childhood and elementary learning by building on foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics while fostering Co-Curricular Programs independence and wonder. Lessons are designed to KDS offers a variety of co-curricular opportunities that promote both intellectual and spiritual growth, teaching broaden learning and allow students to discover their children to approach new ideas through the lens of God-given gifts. Music, art, physical education, and God’s truth. Teachers cultivate a classroom culture Spanish are integral parts of the curriculum, reinforcing where curiosity is encouraged, and every achievement creativity, discipline, and teamwork. is celebrated as part of God’s work in each child.

Educational Support The Educational Support program provides individualized assistance for students who benefit from additional academic or developmental support. Working closely with classroom teachers and families, the support team identifies learning needs and develops strategies to help each student succeed. The program reflects KDS’s commitment to nurturing the whole child, academically, emotionally, and spiritually, so that every student can thrive within a community of care and excellence.

Student Life Student life at Kirk Day School reflects the same intentionality that shapes its classrooms. Beyond academics, students are encouraged to explore their God-given gifts, build lasting friendships, and grow in character and service. Weekly chapel services, classroom devotions, and community events reinforce the school’s commitment to forming hearts as well as minds.Teachers and staff model a Christ-centered way of living that helps students see faith as a natural and joyful part of everyday life.

Extracurricular Opportunities KDS offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that extend learning beyond the classroom and nurture cre- ativity, leadership, and teamwork. Clubs and programs vary by year but have included chess, STEM, foreign language and music. Students also have opportunities to participate in service projects, academic enrichment programs, and community-building events that strength- en both relationships and faith. These experiences help students discover their passions, develop confidence, and practice using their talents to serve others.

Athletics The athletics program at KDS seeks to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ by teaching integrity, persever- ance, and teamwork through sport. Students learn to balance competition with humility and respect, see- ing athletic participation as an extension of Christian character and discipline. Offerings include baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf and lacrosse with op- portunities for both boys and girls to compete in devel- opmentally appropriate settings. Coaches emphasize sportsmanship, skill development, and cooperation, helping student

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