Montessori Center School
Head of School
Start Date: July 1, 2027
Co-ed, Independent, Day School
Ages Toddler – Grade 6
250 students
401 North Fairview Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Educators Collaborative is pleased to announce the search for the next Head of School at Montessori Center School (MCS), a vibrant and mission-driven independent school serving children from early childhood through sixth grade in Santa Barbara, California.
About the School
Founded in 1965, Montessori Center School is rooted in the Montessori philosophy of joyful, student-centered learning, fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of discovery. The school’s close-knit community, dedicated faculty, and beautiful campus create an exceptional environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The next Head of School will join a school community distinguished by its strong Montessori foundation, deeply committed faculty and staff, and engaged families. The successful candidate will honor the school’s Montessori philosophy while leading MCS strategically and thoughtfully into its next chapter of growth and sustainability.
Desired Qualifications and Attributes
The next Head of School will be a warm, inclusive, and collaborative leader grounded in Montessori principles and dedicated to strengthening enrollment, financial sustainability, faculty development, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will lead with humility, strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a visible presence in the school’s daily life. Qualifications include demonstrated leadership experience in independent or Montessori education, a deep understanding of child-centered learning, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and the ability to guide the school thoughtfully into its next chapter.
Learn more on the Information for Candidates, which includes the full Leadership Profile and more details about the school.
About Santa Barbara
Located along California’s stunning Central Coast, Santa Barbara offers an extraordinary quality of life with its Mediterranean climate, vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor recreation, and strong sense of community. The city provides an inspiring setting for educators and families alike.
How to Apply
Educators Collaborative is leading this search in partnership with the Montessori Center School Board of Trustees. The position will begin in July 2027. Please reach out to Mary Seppala, EC consultant, with questions and/or to request the EC Candidate Summary Sheet and EC Disclosure Form, both required components of a complete application. Interested candidates are asked to submit the following materials in a single merged pdf file to Mary Seppala. Dossiers will be reviewed upon receipt.
- EC Summary Sheet (Contact Mary Seppala for this document)
- Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
- Current resume
- Statement of Educational Leadership Philosophy
- A list of five or more professional references, with contact information (name, relationship to candidate, phone, and email)
- EC Disclosure Statement (Contact Mary Seppala for this document)
Educators Collaborative and Montessori Center School are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Base salary range for this position is expected to be $225,000-$250,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Mary Seppala, Partner, Educators Collaborative
Listing Date: June 18, 2026
SEARCH, TRANSITION & STRATEGY