The Kehillah School
Head of School
Start Date: July 1, 2027
Co-ed, Independent Day School
Grades 9-12, 170 students
3900 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Educators Collaborative is pleased to assist The Kehillah School, in Palo Alto, California, in its search for its next Head of School to begin July 1, 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity for a leader who finds purpose in 9-12 education at a well established, highly regarded and high achieving Jewish high school in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
Kehillah is an inclusive independent school rooted in Jewish values that is redefining the high school experience in the Bay Area. By blending research-informed teaching, a deep understanding of how teenagers learn and grow, and pluralistic, inclusive Jewish values, Kehillah offers a high-achieving, values-driven education within a welcoming, relational community.
Mission: We inspire academic excellence, cultivate student voice, and foster a genuine sense of belonging. We embody the Jewish values of critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and the pursuit of justice. We empower students with curiosity, empathy, and agency to transform their experiences, their communities, and the world.
Vision: Blending research-informed teaching, a deep understanding of adolescent development, universal Jewish values, and an unshakable commitment to a diverse community, we prove that achievement, well-being, and purpose can beautifully converge. We inspire each student to graduate with the skills and knowledge to grow into their ambitions, and the values and character to contribute meaningfully to the world.
Values:
- Community
- Dialogue
- Pursuit of Knowledge
- Justice
- Agency
- Acts of Loving Kindness
Kehillah’s academic program is an intentional blend of rigor, purpose, and care. It challenges students not only to achieve at their highest levels, but also to grow into the people they are meant to become. Grounded in the science of how learning happens and shaped by a commitment to inclusion and meaning, Kehillah’s approach is both practical and philosophical – preparing students for success in college and in life.
The program is organized around seven departments:
- English
- History & Social Sciences
- Jewish Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
- Visual & Performing Arts
- World Languages
KAT Courses: In lieu of AP courses, the school has Kehillah Advanced Topics (KAT), which ask students to engage in college-level work and are recognized by the University of California as Honors classes.
Kehillah Capstone Pathway: The Kehillah Capstone Pathway exemplifies the school’s commitment to personalized, purpose-driven learning. Through this signature multi-year program, students work closely with faculty mentors to pursue a passion or area of inquiry in exceptional depth, culminating in an original capstone project presented to the community. The program fosters intellectual curiosity, agency, interdisciplinary thinking, and advanced research and problem-solving skills.
The Kehillah School is intentionally and proudly Jewish, with values, traditions, and wisdom woven throughout school life. Students do not need to be Jewish, practice Judaism, or adopt any identity other than their own to belong fully. The school’s inclusive community ensures every student experiences a deep sense of belonging, support, and opportunity, while those who wish to deepen their connection to Jewish learning, culture, and leadership are supported by exceptional faculty and meaningful opportunities.
The Kehillah School offers a balanced student experience through robust academics coupled with the building of a strong community through participation in athletics, student clubs, Jewish values and culture, and well-being. There is a robust after school theater program, as well as an active robotics club. Kehillah’s no-cut athletic program provides all students with opportunities to engage in team sports and develop leadership skills, sportsmanship, and physical achievement. Student Clubs and activities permeate the campus experience. Every Monday, the week begins with an assembly designed to forge connection and engage in dialogue about what is happening at the school and in the world, while each Wednesday, the school participates in “Heart Work,” designed to promote introspection, intention-setting and balance. The week ends on Friday with a student-led Kabbalat Shabbat which brings the community together to reflect, laugh and appreciate the past week.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The Kehillah School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
A comprehensive Opportunity and Position Statement will be available in September.
Application Materials Requested
We encourage a preliminary conversation with Chris Bright and/or Eric Temple (see below) to learn more about this exceptional opportunity. Those interested are asked to submit these materials, in the order listed, in a Single Merged PDF Document:
- EC Candidate Summary Sheet (contact consultants, Chris and/or Eric, for this document)
- Letter of Interest addressed to the Search Committee
- Current résumé
- Statement of Educational Leadership
- A list of five or more references with contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses). Please include their job title and your work relationship.
- EC Disclosure Form (contact consultants below for this document)
If interested, please contact:
Listing Date: July 10, 2026
Compensation and benefits are competitive, with an anticipated salary range of $320,000 – $410,000.
SEARCH, TRANSITION & STRATEGY