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 valuesSupport family engagement : enrollment calls, events, community-buildingParticipate in hiring and onboarding educatorsCoach teachers as we launch our first classroomPost-Launch (Jan 2026 onward) :
Lead daily operations : drop-off, pick-up, classroom rhythmServe as instructional leader and coachStep into classroom teaching as neededManage substitutes and coverageFoster a thriving Montessori cultureLead family communications and relationshipsCollaborate on operations, safety, and protocolsShape long-term growth and vision of Purpose SchoolsRequirements
Who We’re Looking For
Required :
1+ year school leadership OR 5+ years classroom teachingMontessori certification (AMI, AMS, NAMC, or equivalent)First Aid / CPR (or ability to obtain before start date)Strong coaching and educator management skillsExcellent communication and comfort with remote collaboration toolsSelf-directed, entrepreneurial mindsetBackground check and referencesPreferred :
Education degree or teaching certificationBilingual or multilingual experienceExperience with school launches, microschools, or innovative education modelsBenefits
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 educatorsCompensation & Benefits
Competitive salary : $100,000–$125,000 based on experiencePart-time stipend during pre-launch and trial periodClear pathway to full-time leadershipPotential for long-term partnership and equityHow to Apply
Submit your CV / resume and a brief statement addressing :
Why you’re excited about launching and leading a new schoolHow your experience aligns with Montessori leadership and school designWhat autonomy and ownership mean to you in a school context