Head of School

The Organization

In 1974, a small group of parents dreamed of bringing the Montessori educational philosophy to families in Raleigh and established the Montessori School of Raleigh with 17 students in the basement of Glenwood Village Apartments. They envisioned a school that would foster a child’s intrinsic desire to learn in an environment that nurtures children as they discover who they truly are. By 1981, they officially established the Lead Mine campus, offering Toddler through Elementary curriculum, and in 1999, MSR became the first school in the state to be recommended for dual accreditation with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

As MSR continued to grow, it broke ground in 1999 on the Middle School building in Brier Creek. In 2018, they launched the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for Grades 11-12; in spring 2025, the MSR Board of Trustees approved renaming its Middle and High School campus Carolina Preparatory Academy.

A leader in global education in the Triangle, Carolina Prep is the first independent school in North Carolina to offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for grades 6–12. Through rigorous, interdisciplinary academics, including a strong environmental studies program, community service, and travel experiences that connect local and global perspectives, students develop the knowledge, compassion, and skills to become responsible global citizens and thrive in college and beyond. The 2025–2026 academic year marked Carolina Prep’s first official year as a school under its new name.

A Montessori education is tailored to each child’s individual developmental path, fostering learning at an appropriate pace and stage. Grounded in a time-tested educational philosophy and supported by research on child development and learning, Montessori methods encourage problem-solving, independent thinking, creativity, collaboration, and self-direction. Children develop confidence, responsibility, joy in discovery, and an appreciation for the natural world. At the heart of each Montessori classroom is the principle of “freedom within limits,” which empowers students to explore, make choices, and take ownership of their learning within a thoughtfully prepared and supportive environment.

The International Baccalaureate framework combines rigorous academics with inquiry-based, interdisciplinary learning that develops critical thinking, creativity, independence, and global awareness. Through meaningful real-world experiences, research, and community engagement, students build the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive in college and contribute thoughtfully to an interconnected world. For the Head of School leading both MSR and Carolina Prep, this is an exciting opportunity to build on the strengths of Montessori and International Baccalaureate education and further shape a cohesive, inspiring educational journey that fosters student-centered learning, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth.

MSR and Carolina Prep is also distinguished by the strength of its community. Families bring time, talent, perspective, and partnership that enrich the educational experience and help sustain a warm, supportive, and highly engaged school culture.

 

Strategic Opportunities and Leadership Priorities

MSR and Carolina Prep are at an important point in their evolution. Guided by the One Vision, Global Horizons Strategic Plan, the next Head of School will work closely with the Board and school community to evaluate opportunities, establish priorities, and shape a sustainable future for both schools. While the strategic plan provides a framework, important decisions remain, and the next leader will play a central role in determining the path forward.

Key areas of opportunity include:

• Strategic Direction and Enrollment: Evaluate enrollment trends, market opportunities, and community needs to strengthen enrollment and retention, particularly at Carolina Prep, and recommend a sustainable size and structure for the institution while strengthening the educational continuum at both campuses.
• Educational Vision and Program Excellence: Build on the distinctive strengths of Montessori and International Baccalaureate education to create a cohesive educational experience that fosters intellectual curiosity, student-centered learning, and personal growth.
• Financial Sustainability and Revenue Growth: Strengthen financial sustainability through diversified revenue, thoughtful resource allocation, and investments in faculty, staff, programs, and facilities.
• Facilities and Infrastructure: Assess current and future campus needs, including potential improvements or expansion, while maintaining safe, supportive learning environments aligned with enrollment and program priorities.
• Community Engagement and Trust: Strengthen relationships with families, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners through open communication, transparency, and meaningful engagement.
• Organizational Leadership and Culture: Foster a collaborative, accountable organization across both campuses while respecting the distinctive cultures, traditions, and educational philosophies of each school.

Success will require a thoughtful, strategic leader who can navigate complexity, challenge assumptions, build consensus, and guide meaningful change while honoring the values and relationships that define both school communities.

 

Core Responsibilities

The Head of School serves as the chief executive of MSR and Carolina Prep, providing strategic, educational, and operational leadership across both campuses. Working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, this leader will strengthen organizational effectiveness, advance educational excellence, and guide thoughtful decisions about the schools' future while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability.

The Head of School will be expected to fulfill the following key responsibilities: 

Board Governance and Strategic Partnership

Strategic Positioning and Long-Term Sustainability

Enrollment Management and Strategy

Educational Leadership and Program Excellence

Organizational Leadership and Culture

Marketing and Community Engagement

Financial Stewardship and Advancement

Operations, Risk Management, and Accountability

 

Required Attributes, Skills, and Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring the following attributes, skills, and experiences:

Board Governance and Strategic Leadership

Educational and Organizational Management

Relationship-Centered Leadership and Communications

Financial and Enrollment Management

Mission Alignment and Community Commitment

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, leadership, or a related field preferred.
• While a Montessori credential or formal Montessori training is not strictly required, the ability to understand and champion Montessori philosophy is essential.

 

Compensation and Benefits

Montessori School of Raleigh and Carolina Preparatory Academy are committed to attracting an extraordinary leader for this position through a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability and life insurance; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; paid vacation, holidays, and personal leave; tuition remission; childcare assistance; and professional development opportunities.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Montessori School of Raleigh and Carolina Preparatory Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive workplace. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, professional development, and advancement.

 

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume by November 22, 2026, by applying here. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

Questions: [email protected]