Principal (Early Childhood - Grade 8)

Job Description

PRINCIPAL - Saint John the Beloved School, Diocese of Wilmington, DE

SAINT JOHN THE BELOVED SCHOOL (SJB), Wilmington, DE, a vibrant ministry of Saint John the Beloved Parish, seeks qualified applicants for the position of PRINCIPAL beginning July 1, 2026. This parish Early Childhood (ages 3-4) through Grade 8 school, serving 560 students, is strong in Catholic Identity and firmly rooted in Franciscan Spirituality. SJB provides a rigorous curricular program with state-of-the-art technology and diversified co-curricular and extra-curricular programs. Students at SJB have a proven record of excellence; graduates of SJB receive scholarships in highly competitive high schools and win numerous club and athletic awards. The school has received a significant number of awards and recognitions, including National Blue Ribbon of Excellence, and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The principal works closely with the pastor, the diocesan Catholic Schools Office, an assistant principal, an aftercare director, an athletic director, a faculty and staff of 50, as well as with the parish staff, finance council and a committed parent community to provide high standards of excellence in a safe and welcoming environment focused on forming young disciples.

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Live as a practicing Catholic
• Hold an advanced degree (master's or higher) from an accredited institution in an area of study that supports the role/responsibilities of the position
• Have a minimum of five years teaching experience at the elementary school level (Catholic school experience as a teacher/administrator preferred)
• Hold or be eligible for Delaware or Maryland licensing/certification (Catholic Theology or Ministry degree is exempt from this requirement)

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (including one from the applicant's current pastor), no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to:

Mary E. Filippone, Personnel Coordinator
Catholic Schools Office
1626 North Union Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-573-3133
mfilippone@cdow.org

About the Employer

Catholic Schools: Faith - Knowledge - Service. This national theme for Catholic schools reminds us of the essential mission of our schools. In Catholic schools, students learn, celebrate, live, and pray the Catholic faith each day. An authentically Catholic curriculum based on Gospel teachings is enhanced by regular opportunities for worship and service. In cooperation with parents, the primary teachers of their children in the faith, Catholic educators strive daily to nurture the light of Christ ignited in each child at Baptism.

Catholic schools are centers of academic rigor. A core curriculum, incorporating national and state expectations, is enriched by the arts, technology, world languages, co- and extra-curricular activities, and athletics.