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 valuesSupport family engagement : enrollment calls, events, community-buildingParticipate in hiring and onboarding educatorsCoach teachers as we launch our first classroomPost-Launch (May 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 : $80,000–$100,000 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