Head of School - Founding Role

Head of School – Montessori-Inspired School Launch

📍 Location: Durham, NC (in-person required)

📅 Start Date: December 2025

💼 Employment Type: Part-time to start → Full-time leadership

💰 Salary Range: $80,000–$100,000 starting (based on experience)

📈 Equity Partnership Potential

About Purpose Schools

Purpose Schools is a mission-driven education startup launching its first Montessori-inspired school 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: $80,000–$100,000 (in first year) DOE
• Equity partnership potential for long-term fit

Responsibilities

Pre-Launch (Dec 2025-April 2026):

• 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 (May 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

Requirements

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

Benefits

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: $80,000–$100,000 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