Head of School - Founding Role
Head of School – Montessori Microschool Launch
📍 Location: Durham, NC (in-person required)
📅 Start Date: October 2025
💼 Employment Type: Part-time to start → Full-time leadership
💰 Salary Range: $100,000–$125,000 (based on experience)
📈 Equity Partnership Potential
About Purpose Schools
Purpose Schools is a mission-driven education startup launching its first Montessori microschool in Durham, NC. We believe children thrive when learning is rooted in agency, curiosity, independence, and joy. Our model blends Montessori principles with strong relationships and purpose-driven learning to create extraordinary school experiences.
Role Overview
We’re hiring a visionary Head of School to lead the design, launch, and growth of our flagship campus. This is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up, shape its culture, and lead a team of passionate educators.
Key Highlights:
- Part-time during design phase (Sept–Dec 2025)
- Full-time leadership starting January 2026
- Salary range: $100,000–$125,000 DOE
- Equity partnership potential for long-term fit
Responsibilities
Pre-Launch (Sept–Dec 2025):
- Co-design school culture, instructional philosophy, and values
- Support family engagement: enrollment calls, events, community-building
- Participate in hiring and onboarding educators
- Coach teachers as we launch our first classroom
Post-Launch (Jan 2026 onward):
- Lead daily operations: drop-off, pick-up, classroom rhythm
- Serve as instructional leader and coach
- Step into classroom teaching as needed
- Manage substitutes and coverage
- Foster a thriving Montessori culture
- Lead family communications and relationships
- Collaborate on operations, safety, and protocols
- Shape long-term growth and vision of Purpose Schools
Who We’re Looking For
Required:
- 1+ year school leadership OR 5+ years classroom teaching
- Montessori certification (AMI, AMS, NAMC, or equivalent)
- First Aid/CPR (or ability to obtain before start date)
- Strong coaching and educator management skills
- Excellent communication and comfort with remote collaboration tools
- Self-directed, entrepreneurial mindset
- Background check and references
Preferred:
- Education degree or teaching certification
- Bilingual or multilingual experience
- Experience with school launches, microschools, or innovative education models
Why Join Purpose Schools?
- 🌱 Autonomy and Ownership: Shape the vision, culture, and design of a new school
- 🚀 Entrepreneurial Energy: Build something unique while leading day-to-day operations
- 🤝 Trial → Partnership: 3-month trial with pathway to equity partnership
- ❤️ Mission-Driven: Reimagine joyful, rigorous, purposeful school experiences for children, families, and educators
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $100,000–$125,000 based on experience
- Part-time stipend during pre-launch and trial period
- Clear pathway to full-time leadership
- Potential for long-term partnership and equity
How to Apply
Submit your CV/resume and a brief statement addressing:
- Why you’re excited about launching and leading a new school
- How your experience aligns with Montessori leadership and school design
- What autonomy and ownership mean to you in a school context
Average salary estimate
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