PS+Tree

Head of School
Start Date: July 1, 2024
Co-ed Day School, Nursery to 8th Grade, 250 students
920 Peninsula Way, Menlo Park, CA

About the School

A leader in progressive education since 1925, Peninsula School was founded by Frank and Josephine Duveneck and a small group of parents looking for a school where learning was joyful and exciting, where children could learn by doing and where independence and group cooperation were valued. Unable to find a school they believed would provide the experience they desired for their children, they started the “Peninsula School for Creative Education,” one of the first progressive schools in California. The ideals of Francis Parker, John Dewey, and Maria Montessori have endured as guiding principles for this very unique school for the past 94 years.

Since its founding, Peninsula School has placed a high emphasis on cultivating and celebrating intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. The non-competitive environment supports student collaboration, positive risk taking, creativity, and intrinsic motivation. Students grow to see learning as a treasured opportunity for a lifelong, personal journey. The school’s mission is “to create a space where children thrive and develop their full promise as confident contributors in the world. At Peninsula they learn about themselves and others, discovering their passions and growing intellectually in an inclusive community rich with choices, exploration, and play.”

About the Campus

Peninsula School is located on six bucolic acres of land in Menlo Park, in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University.  The grounds are an essential part of the learning experience and provide a sense of mystery and wonder. Students experience a strong feeling of ownership over the campus as they have the freedom to explore and play throughout the school property. The large oaks and the natural setting along with the historic 1882 Victorian “Big Building” are cherished by the community.  

About the Position

The Board of Directors of Peninsula School seeks an experienced educational leader who will fully embrace the school’s inspiring mission and bring the skills and passion needed to lead a community of professionals dedicated to progressive education and the social and emotional growth of children. This leader will have the capacity and initiative to work collaboratively to develop a strong sense of shared leadership, enabling the Peninsula community to realize its compelling vision and future for the school. Key attributes include a deep commitment to DEIB and social justice, a skilled administrator and experienced teacher, and the ability to facilitate inclusive dialogue, have courageous conversations, and build trust.

Peninsula School does not discriminate in the enrollment of students or hiring of staff on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

How to Apply

Applications are no longer being accepted for this position. Please contact EC via the contact page to be added to our mailing list and be considered for future opportunities.

Candidates interested in this position are asked to submit the following materials by August 15, 2023:

  • EC Candidate Summary Sheet and Disclosure Form (contact Tracy Bennett and Joan Beauregard for the documents)
  • Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
  • Current Resume
  • Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
  • A list of five or more references with contact information (name, relationship to candidate, phone and email address)

Please email any inquiries or expressions of interest to:

Tracy Bennett, Partner, Educators Collaborative, LLC

tbennett@educatorscollaborative.com – (425) 466.4748

Joan Beauregard, Partner, Educators Collaborative, LLC

jbeauregard@educatorscollaborative.com – (206) 851.6616

Listing Date: June 6, 2023