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

Equal Teaching

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