Acorn Montessori School
Interim Head of School
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Co-ed, Independent, Day School
Grades Toddler-Upper Elementary (Grade 6)
115 students
1222 Route 31, Lebanon, NJ 08833
Educators Collaborative is pleased to be assisting Acorn Montessori School in their search for an Interim Head of School to begin July 1, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for a leader who finds purpose in Montessori education at a well-established independent school which prides itself on a strong sense of community and remarkable faculty and staff who care deeply about their students and are invested in their success.
About the School
Established in 1984, Acorn Montessori School is a vibrant and caring community of teachers and staff who offer academic excellence through compassion and respect, nurturing a lifelong love of learning in their students. Rooted in the Montessori tradition, Acorn Montessori fosters self-confidence, personal responsibility, and global awareness in children through a whole-child approach. With a strong academic foundation provided in an age-appropriate setting, Acorn Montessori graduates go on to become thoughtful learners, effective leaders, and engaged citizens.
Set on five peaceful acres in beautiful Hunterdon County, New Jersey—an area known for its scenic countryside, charming small towns, and proximity to New York City—Acorn’s campus includes five buildings, outdoor gardens, and a performance theater that support a rich educational experience.
Mission
Acorn Montessori School’s Mission is:
- to provide an enriching Montessori-based education that fosters the child’s innate love of learning, creativity, and wonder;
- to cultivate dynamic partnerships among family, school, and community;
- to celebrate the human spirit and honor the diversity among us; and
- to inspire and have an impact on society through academic excellence and service.
About the Opportunity
Acorn Montessori School seeks an experienced, steady, and inspiring Interim Head of School to lead the community beginning July 1, 2025. The Interim Head will join Acorn Montessori at a critical juncture that calls for thoughtful restoration and realignment. Following a recent leadership transition, the school is actively seeking to rebuild community connections, reinvigorate parental involvement, and strengthen its operational foundations.
The Interim Head will have the meaningful opportunity to reconnect stakeholders with Acorn’s core mission, reestablish trust across constituencies, and revitalize the collaborative spirit that has historically defined the community.
The Ideal Candidate
The Interim Head of School will be a passionate educator and proven community builder, experienced in working with a Board of Trustees. The Interim Head must bring integrity, warmth, and resilience to the role. This position requires a hands-on leader committed to providing a visible presence, transparent communication, and authentic relationship development.
Key characteristics include:
- A trained and experienced Montessori leader, particularly within the American Montessori Society (AMS) tradition
- Strong organizational and management skills, with demonstrated success in stabilizing institutions during transitional periods
- A genuine healer who can listen well, acknowledge concerns, foster dialogue, and guide reconciliation among all community members
- A collaborative leader skilled at building parent involvement and creating meaningful opportunities for engagement
- A roll-up-your-sleeves administrator who leads by example and isn’t afraid to tackle challenges directly
- A strategic enrollment manager with experience in both recruitment and retention
- A trust builder who demonstrates consistency, follows through on commitments, and communicates with transparency
- A motivational presence who can inspire faculty dedication and reignite parent enthusiasm for the school’s mission
- A sincere love of children and an unwavering commitment to their holistic development
The annual salary for the Interim Head of School position is $120,000. Benefits include personal and vacation days, and a contribution to a retirement fund.
Search Calendar
Applications are due by June 1, 2025
Semi-Finalist Interviews: June 17, 18, and 19
Finalist Interviews: 1. June 23; 2. June 24
How to Apply
This is an expedited search, and we must have completed dossiers ASAP but no later than June 1, 2025. Candidates interested in the position are asked to submit the following materials in a SINGLE merged PDF document in this exact order:
- EC Candidate Summary Form (contact an EC Consultant, Carole Everett or Debbie Millon, for this document)
- Cover Letter Addressed to the Interim Head Search Committee
- Current Resume
- Educational Leadership Statement
- A list of five references with contact information including name, relationship to the candidate, phone, and email address
- EC Disclosure Form (contact EC Consultant, Carole or Debbie, for this document)
Listing Date: May 21, 2025
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