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Head of School - Founding Role
Head of School - Founding RoleEqual Teaching • Durham, NC, US
Head of School - Founding Role

Head of School - Founding Role

Equal Teaching • Durham, NC, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Quick Apply
Job description

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
  • Create a job alert for this search

    Head Of School • Durham, NC, US

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