Job Opening for 2026-27
Head of School in Decatur, GA, US
About Arbor Montessori School
The school currently serves students from 18 months through 14 years of age, with the inaugural high school class to begin in Fall 2026. Arbor was founded in 1970 by a group of ten newly trained teachers with the goal of creating an educational institution that reflected the educational values they learned in their AMI training. In keeping with this founding vision, Arbor has been recognized by AMI-USA since 1971, and representatives of the AMI teaching staff constitute half of the Board of Trustees.
The mission of Arbor Montessori School is to develop the unique capabilities of each child through supportive relationships, joyful learning, and meaningful work in a Montessori environment. Arbor seeks to foster independence in each child, preparing them to contribute with integrity to the community of the larger world.
Application Process
Interested applicants should send:
Candidate’s resume
At least three collegial or supervisory references
A statement of educational philosophy
Any additional materials supporting the application
Please email us with your interest BY DECEMBER 1, followed by the above materials. Please email materials to hos-search@arbormontessori.org
The Opportunity
The Head of School embodies the mission of the school and articulates the mission for all aspects of the school’s program. In both role and responsibility, the Head of School drives the daily operations of the school in keeping with Arbor’s vision and mission in the life and culture of the school.
The Head of School is the sole employee of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the overall management of the school, in accordance with the Board’s policies. The Head of School is also the spokesperson for the school with all its internal and external constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, the business community, governmental agencies, as well as local, state, regional, and national educational organizations and accrediting agencies.
The Head of School builds, trains, and leads a highly qualified faculty and staff, and together they attend to the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical growth of each child. Administratively, the Head of School supervises the effective implementation of AMI Montessori pedagogy, supports enrollment and retention, manages finances, and provides information to the Board of Trustees on these initiatives. The Head of School is on campus during regular school hours, overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting faculty and staff, and building meaningful partnerships within the school community.
Qualifications
Arbor seeks a leader who will honor its 55-year history while supporting the school through the next phase of growth and effecting change that will keep the school on a path for success in its next 50 years. The school is at an exciting junction as we prepare to consolidate our two existing campuses onto our newly expanded Lavista Campus and to offer the region’s first Montessori high school. The ideal candidate will lead with transparency, communicate effectively, and will cultivate positive relationships with all stakeholders within our school as well as the greater Atlanta community. Arbor envisions a Head of School who actively encourages collaboration and welcomes input from the community, yet accepts the final responsibility for making decisions that will ensure the sustainability of the school. In collaboration with the Board, the next Head of School will lead the implementation of the initiatives identified by the Arbor community in our strategic plan. These include fortifying community engagement, maintaining long-term financial stability, and maximizing enrollment, along with continuing Arbor’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ideal Candidates will Possess
5+ years of direct people-management in a school setting, with formal supervision of faculty and staff (hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, evaluations, and performance management).
Leadership experience in a Montessori school (e.g., Head, Assistant Head, Program Director, Coordinator), demonstrating accountability for team outcomes, operations, finance, culture, and staff development.
Collaborative leadership style that welcomes working closely with community partners including the Board of Trustees, AMI teaching team, level coordinators, staff, and parents.
Teaching experience in a Montessori classroom.
Bachelor’s Degree is required, Master’s Degree is preferred.
Knowledge of the AMI recognition and SAIS/SACS accreditation processes.
Special qualifications:
Teaching experience in a Montessori classroom; Montessori teacher certification