Head of School – Montessori (Franklin, TN) | Relocation Available

Role: Head of School Location: Franklin, Tennessee Position: Full-Time

Target Start Date: June 1st, 2027

Competitive Compensation | Performance-Based Incentives | Relocation Assistance Available

About Harpeth Montessori

Harpeth Montessori is an established, accredited, independent Montessori school located in Franklin, Tennessee, just south of Nashville. With a beautiful four-acre campus, a strong school community, and a dedicated team of Montessori educators, we have built a respected educational environment where children are encouraged to develop independence, curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our school serves children from early childhood through elementary, providing an authentic Montessori experience that balances academic excellence, meaningful relationships, and real-world learning opportunities.

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and relationship-centered Head of School to lead our next chapter.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Montessori educator and administrator who is ready to take ownership of school leadership, inspire an established team, strengthen family relationships, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our school.

Position Overview

The Head of School will be responsible for the overall leadership, daily operations, educational excellence, and long-term success of Harpeth Montessori.

We are looking for a confident and experienced leader who understands Montessori education from firsthand classroom experience and has successfully transitioned into school administration.

The ideal candidate is a visible, approachable leader who enjoys being actively engaged with students, educators, and families while maintaining a strong focus on organizational effectiveness, accountability, enrollment, and staff development.

Working collaboratively with school ownership, the Head of School will have meaningful decision-making authority and the opportunity to influence the school's future direction.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership & Montessori Excellence

• Uphold the principles and philosophy of authentic Montessori education across all programs.
• Support and mentor lead guides and classroom assistants to maintain exceptional educational standards.
• Ensure strong classroom environments, consistent instructional practices, and positive student outcomes.
• Promote Montessori education that connects academic learning with practical life skills, independence, and real-world experiences.
• Guide program development and continuous improvement.

Faculty Leadership & School Culture

• Lead, support, and develop a team of approximately 15 educators and administrative professionals.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable school culture.
• Build strong relationships with staff while maintaining clear expectations and professional standards.
• Prioritize faculty retention, professional growth, and long-term team stability.

School Administration & Operations

• Oversee daily school operations, including staffing, scheduling, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and applicable educational requirements.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming campus.
• Manage operational budgets, monitor expenditures, and partner with ownership on financial planning.
• Develop efficient systems that support strong communication, consistency, and operational excellence.

Enrollment, Retention & Family Engagement

• Serve as a visible, trusted leader and primary point of connection for school families.
• Build meaningful relationships with current and prospective families.
• Lead enrollment initiatives, school tours, admissions, and retention strategies.
• Address parent concerns with professionalism, empathy, sound judgment, and confidence.
• Promote a welcoming, connected school community that encourages long-term family engagement.

Strategic Leadership & School Growth

• Collaborate with ownership to develop and implement the school's long-term vision.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen programming, enrollment, financial sustainability, and school culture.
• Lead school improvement initiatives and support thoughtful program expansion.
• Establish measurable goals and maintain accountability for school performance.

Required Qualifications

• Prior Montessori classroom teaching experience is required , with a strong understanding of authentic Montessori philosophy, curriculum, and classroom practices.
• Previous school administration or educational leadership experience is required , preferably as a Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Program Director, or comparable leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, and developing educators.
• Strong understanding of school operations, parent relations, enrollment, and staff management.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, and make sound independent decisions.
• Commitment to Montessori education and creating an exceptional school experience for children, families, and employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Montessori teaching credential from an AMS-, AMI-, or MACTE-recognized training program.
• Five or more years of combined Montessori classroom and educational leadership experience.
• Experience leading an established independent or Montessori school.
• Familiarity with school budgeting, enrollment management, and operational planning.
• Experience with school accreditation, regulatory compliance, and program development.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, educational leadership, or a related field preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Harpeth Montessori offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications, including:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentives tied to school success
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Meaningful leadership authority and the opportunity to shape the school's future
• A supportive ownership team and an established school community

Location

Located in Franklin, Tennessee, Harpeth Montessori offers the opportunity to live and work in one of the Nashville region's most desirable communities, known for its historic downtown, parks, family-friendly neighborhoods, and quality of life.

Candidates interested in relocating to Middle Tennessee are encouraged to apply. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter outlining their Montessori classroom experience, educational leadership background, and approach to school administration.

We welcome applications from experienced Montessori leaders who are passionate about educational excellence, strong school communities, and building a lasting positive impact.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person