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Montessori Community School

Head of School

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Co-ed, Independent, Day School

Grades 18 months-Grade 8

Average over 220 students

4512 Pope Road, Durham, NC 27707

Educators Collaborative is pleased to be supporting Montessori Community School in their search for a Head of School to begin July 1, 2026. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated leader who finds deep purpose in Montessori education while embracing evolving educational best practices. 

About the School

Founded in 1980, Montessori Community School (MCS) sits on a beautiful 13-acre nature-rich campus filled with gardens, woods, and wetlands. The campus is thoughtfully designed to inspire and support young learners, with individual play areas tailored to each age group and outdoor exploration integrated into the curriculum. As a vibrant community, MCS brings together families, students, and staff from Chapel Hill, Durham, and surrounding areas, united by a shared commitment to holistic education and an inclusive community. With a diverse and passionate team at its core, the school continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation. 

MCS Approach to Montessori Education

  • Holistic education philosophy
  • Dynamic, engaged classrooms
  • Prepared environment
  • Independence as a core principle
  • Freedom with responsibility
  • The role of the teacher
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About the Opportunity

The next Head of School will have the opportunity to build upon Montessori Community School’s strong foundation while shaping its future direction with creativity and purpose. Working alongside an engaged faculty, supportive families, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, the Head will lead a school community deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy, to the holistic development of every child, and to Diversity, Equity, and Belonging practices in which every person is equally recognized and supported. With a thriving enrollment, a beautiful and sustainable campus, and a culture of collaboration and respect, the new Head will find a community eager for inspired leadership that honors tradition while guiding the school into an exciting future.

Please see the full Information for Candidates, which includes a full list of desired experiences and attributes. 

How to Apply

Candidates interested in this opportunity are asked to submit the following materials in a single merged pdf file to Mary Seppala by November 15, 2025. Dossiers will be reviewed upon receipt.

  • EC Summary Sheet (Contact Mary for this document)
  • Letter of Interest (addressed to the Head of School Search Committee)
  • Current resume
  • Statement of educational and leadership philosophy
  • Contact information for five or more professional references, with name, relationship to candidate, phone, and email address of each
  • EC Disclosure Statement (Contact Mary  for this document) 

Mary Seppala, Educators Collaborative

mseppala@educatorscollaborative.com

Listing Date: October 26, 2025