A National Study of the Association of Christian School International Schools Head of School Leadership Characteristics

The purpose of this study was to identify the desired leadership characteristics of heads of schools as identified by school board chairs and heads of schools who are members of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This study is modeled after a Virginia Tech dissertation study of Virginia public school systems by Dr. Michael Thornton in 2009. Data were gathered from the heads of school and the board chairpersons to determine the similarities and differences between the two groups.

Quantitative methodology was used in this study. A national sample of school board chairmen and heads of school from K-12 schools with 500 students or more and who are members of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) were identified.

Heads of school and school board chairpersons perceived visionary leader, team builder, effective school board relations and Christian school experience as essential leadership characteristics. Heads of school and school board chairpersons perceived that personal and professional integrity, honesty, and fairness and effective communication with board members, staff, parents, students, and the community is essential in head of school leadership. Heads of school and school board chairpersons believe that head of school-school board relations can have an impact on achieving and sustaining school-wide success.