Search Group Practices

Independent Schools

Independent schools embrace many different philosophies and missions, ranging from conservative college preparatory schools to "alternative" schools; from those geared to meeting the needs of learning-differenced children to schools focused on preparation for military careers. Independent schools also serve a broad array of constituencies: secular and denominational, single-sex and coeducational, primary and secondary, day and residential.

Historically, and perhaps consequently, independent schools have been at the center of educational innovation and excellence. The Search Group is proud to have served this diverse community effectively for the past 30 years.

Each of our consultants has a strong track record of leadership in education, in addition to expertise in executive search. Most have been independent school leaders. Each cares deeply about the education of children, and each understands deeply how schools work.

We have come to the view that schools are the most leadership-sensitive institutions in our society. This is particularly true for independent schools, which lack public funding and infrastructure to support them. We believe the crux of our craft is in helping each school make the appropriate match between its especial mission and needs and a leader's unique capabilities and style.

We bring special insights in understanding an independent school's unique character and community, and the implications for its leadership and governance. From the school's mission, philosophy and objectives, we help to distinguish the knowledge and competencies a new leader must possess. From its culture and values, we help in discerning the personal characteristics and style required for the new Head to "fit" the school effectively.

We carefully recruit people who match the school's profile, based upon thoughtful examinations of their accomplishments and character. Contacts and candidates rely on our reputation for probity and confidentiality. As a result, the candidate pools we build are robust and singularly institution-specific. We won't present square pegs for round holes.

Our goal for each search is a lasting appointment. Our focus on making the right match and on a thoughtful leadership transition facilitates the creation of durable and effective relationships between the new Head, the Board, and the school's diverse constituencies.

International Schools

International schools face unique issues, challenges, and opportunities. A school's location, heritage, and sources of financial support shape its identity and complicate the roadmap for successful leadership recruitment. Other issues are more nuanced, including the transience of families, faculty, and Board members; the need for especial sensitivity to cultural differences; the lack of robust endowments; and the impact of international events. CS&A has been conducting international searches since 1978 and consults with international boards regularly along with conducting searches globally.

Charter Schools

In our focus on the special leadership needs of charter schools, we have committed ourselves fully to assisting these independent, public schools of choice in meeting the significant challenges associated with increased autonomy and public accountability.
A charter school assignment will often begin with an in-depth discussion of how the Board has structured the school's leadership team and divided key responsibilities. We want to help them insure a clear and important separation from the common rigidity and structure of public school systems and leadership model.

A charter school must have a visionary, instructional leader who is capable not only of motivating teachers, students and parents, but also able to market the school's academic achievements to the broader community while creating financial viability through strong enrollment.

The CS&A Search Group has unparalleled experience in helping charter schools structure and recruit the leadership necessary to meet their distinct objectives.

Since 1998, we have placed more leaders at the helms of charter schools than any other search practice in the country. These inspirational and effective Principals, Heads of School, and Executive Directors are improving the lives of thousands of children, and helping to reshape the future of public education across the U.S.