Founding Elementary Principal - Lafayette

The Founding Elementary Principal (Lafayette) will launch LFNO's first expansion beyond New Orleans, serving as the architect of our newest campus and the key bridge between our network and the Lafayette community.

About Lycée Français International de la Louisiane

Lycée Français International de la Louisiane (LFNO) is a top-ranked, public French-immersion charter school serving more than 900 students across two Uptown New Orleans campuses. We blend the French National Curriculum with Louisiana state standards, preparing students to be multilingual, globally-minded citizens. Our diverse student body — 55% students of color and 60% economically disadvantaged — learns in small class sizes, with personalized attention and a commitment to both academic excellence and cultural richness.

About the Role

In August 2026, Lafayette will open its doors to Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten students, with plans to grow each year as the school establishes itself in the community. As the founding leader, you will have the rare opportunity to design systems from scratch. You'll have the backing of LFNO's central office for operations, HR, finance, and instructional coaching — but the vision, team, and day-to-day heartbeat of Lafayette will be yours to shape. Your first year will be equal parts visioning and execution, focused on building your team, engaging families and the broader Lafayette community, and finalizing your vision for academics and school culture. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives on creating something new, navigating the unknown with creativity and resilience, and leaving a legacy that will shape the lives of students for generations.

Year One Priorities (2026-2027)

• Regional Integration: Establish LFNO's presence in Lafayette through community partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

• Build the Team: Recruit, hire, and onboard founding teachers and staff. Create a collaborative, feedback-driven professional culture from the start.

• Engage and Grow the Community: Lead family engagement and student recruitment efforts. Host events, school tours, and informational sessions that inspire parent trust and buy-in. 

• Design and Launch Instruction: Develop academic schedules, staffing plans, and classroom assignments. Align curriculum to Louisiana standards and the French National Curriculum. Ensure strong instructional routines and data cycles from day one.  

• Establish School Culture: Create shared values, rituals, and traditions unique to Lafayette. Set clear expectations for behavior, academics, and community engagement.

• Operational Readiness: Partner with central office to ensure facilities, technology, and materials are ready. Implement efficient school operations that protect instructional time.

Ongoing Responsibilities:  (Year Two and Beyond — Percentages May Shift Over Time)

Vision & Instructional Leadership (50%)

• Drive academic vision and continuous improvement cycles.

• Observe classrooms, coach teachers, and lead professional learning.

• Analyze student data to guide instruction and interventions.

Professional Development & Talent Management (20%)

• Mentor and grow teacher-leaders into future school leaders.

• Integrate hiring, evaluation, and professional development.

Culture, Equity, & Community Engagement (15%)

• Maintain an inclusive, joyful, and rigorous school culture.

• Partner with families through transparent, proactive communication.

• Celebrate diversity and foster belonging for all students and staff.

Operations, Management, & Compliance (15%)

• Oversee campus operations, budget, and resource allocation.

• Ensure compliance with all charter, state, and federal requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s degree in education or related field, required.

• Louisiana Principal Certification (or equivalent), preferred.

• At least 3 years of school leadership experience in a PK–12 setting.

• Experience with dual-language or immersion education, preferred.

• Strong instructional leadership track record with measurable student achievement results.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership.

• Entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a love for building.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary starting at $95,000, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement contributions. 

• Relocation assistance available for out-of-state candidates.

This search is being managed by our talent partner, WorkTogether Talent Consulting. If you have any questions, please reach out to Cortney Battel at [email protected].