Are you inspired by the transformational power of AMI Montessori education? Are you ready to lead a school community grounded in respect, independence, and the developmental needs of the child? Join our experienced team to steward the next chapter of Children’s Workshop Montessori—rooted in AMI principles and deeply committed to authentic Montessori practice.

Children’s Workshop Montessori is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, business-minded Head of School to lead our team. CW is a non-profit Montessori school located in Long Lake/Orono which is a western suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are a warm and welcoming community of experienced professionals and supportive individuals.

Since 1987, the aim of Children’s Workshop has been to develop within the child a global vision, a life-long love of learning, and a sense of responsibility toward humanity. All aspects of the Montessori experience come together to foster the development of integrated, committed, respectful, loving, and caring human beings. We serve a diverse community of families with children ages 8 weeks through 6 years.

Mission: Children's Workshop Montessori School fosters community, guides innate curiosity, and builds a foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Our aim is to promote respect, and responsibility to self, to others, and to the natural world.

Vision: To be known within the community as the premier provider of AMI recognized Montessori education for children ages 8 weeks to 6 years.

You may learn more about Montessori by visiting: https://montessori-ami.org/about-montessori/montessori-3-6

Head of School Job Description

The Head of School (HOS) carries out the broad educational policies established by the Board and acts within the limits of the financial policy set by that body. The HOS determines the methods for carrying out policies, manages operational policies and oversees business operations.

This individual is responsible for guiding all aspects of the school’s operations and programs in alignment with AMI Montessori standards, supporting children, families, faculty, and the broader school community.

The HOS acts as both the administrative and pedagogical steward of the Montessori vision, ensuring that all decisions are child-centered, mission-aligned, has responsibility for the day to day operations of the school, and in service to long-term sustainability and quality.

REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES:

Proven success in administration and policy-setting in a Montessori school, independent school, or similar non-profit educational institution.

Experience with fiscal management, fundraising, and admissions in the above settings.

Experience identifying, hiring, motivating, evaluating, and retaining excellent faculty and staff. Inclusive of building development/career plans and goals, bi-weekly status check ins, succession planning and more.

An experienced educator able to provide educational leadership to faculty.

Experience working in a best-practices relationship with a Board of Trustees, preferred.

Must be proficient with technology platforms.

Must be able to work the hours of the position based on the schools' needs.

AMI and/or AMS Montessori Primary training is preferred but not required. Must meet the teacher education and experience guidelines as defined by the Minnesota Legislature's Administrative Rules.

5 - 7 years of relevant leadership experience, including leading direct reports.

This is a full-time, salaried position. We offer a competitive salary, group health care and dental insurance, health saving account, 401(k) with match, paid parental leave, tuition remission benefits, and a beautiful working environment within a newly built school.

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

Montessori Pedagogy & Child Development Deep, practiced understanding of AMI Montessori philosophy and principles, including the foundational role of independence, freedom within limits, respect for the child, and the prepared environment.

AMI Standards & School Fidelity Familiarity with AMI standards and expectations for classroom quality, guide training, observation, consultation, and commitment to maintaining a culture that reflects high-fidelity Montessori practice in classrooms and across the community.

Program Vision and Leadership Across Age Levels Knowledge of how Montessori philosophy is implemented in environments, and how to support consistency and fidelity across all levels.

School Operations & Compliance Working knowledge of school operations including but not limited to budgeting, admissions, licensing, enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and compliance with state and AMI guidelines.

Adult Learning & Professional Development Understanding of effective adult development practices—how to support, observe, and guide teachers and staff toward continued professional growth.

Community Building & Engagement

Proven ability to cultivate a strong school community that reflects Montessori values of collaboration, respect, and inclusion. Able to build trust and strong relationships with staff and parents through transparent communication, consistent messaging, and shared respect for the child’s journey.

Judgment and Ethics

Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.

Written and Oral Communication and Interaction

Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, to individuals and groups at all levels to explain simple and complex matters and concepts.

Skill in facilitating discussions on a wide variety of issues.

Ability to interact effectively with others, providing customer service and resolving difficulties.

Skill in mediating and negotiating sensitive matters.

Skill in facilitating discussions with staff.

Skill in listening and coaching effectively. Skill in evaluating and recommending process improvements.

Information Technology and Automation

Skill in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of products, Google suite of products

Skill in the use of communication tools (i.e. Brightwheel)

This position requires the ability to perform the following job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations:

Work Environment and Physical Demands Work is performed in classrooms, a school office setting, and may occur at off-site locations. Some travel may be required. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc. This position constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. The person in this position frequently communicates with people of all ages and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend, stoop, crouch, and physically assist young children. This individual will frequently move equipment and assist children weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasional work outside of normal working hours and on weekends will be necessary.

Finalist must pass a Department of Human Services required background study and mandatory trainings.

This is a full-time and year-round position with Monday through Friday hours. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to engage in tours and community building events. The position will begin as soon as the qualified candidate is able to assume the role.

We offer full-time competitive pay, group health care and dental insurance, health saving account, paid parental leave, short term disability, retirement and match, tuition remission benefits, and a beautiful working environment.

Job Types: Full-time

Salary: $65,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year inclusive of bonus structure

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee discount

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Professional development assistance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Day shift

Monday to Friday

Education:

Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Degree Preferred

Montessori/AMI/AMS Certification(s) and deep familiarity and passion for Montessori Pedagogy, with 0-3 and/or certification and classroom experience preferred

Shift availability:

Day Shift (Required)

Work Location:

In person