Early Childhood Education Center Principal

City Garden Montessori School; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education seeks a passionate Early Childhood Education Center Principal to lead a dynamic preschool to kindergarten program. This role emphasizes the Montessori philosophy and a commitment to academic excellence, whole-child education, and anti-bias principles. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, engaging with students, staff, and families to foster a nurturing and inclusive educational space. If you are a visionary leader with a strong background in early childhood education, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Pre-K-8 education with a strong leadership track record.
• Familiarity with Montessori principles and commitment to anti-bias education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Early Childhood Education Center and engage with students and families.
• Set and guide a vision for large teams while managing multiple stakeholders.

Skills

Montessori Theory of Development

Leadership in Education

Data Analysis

Coaching Teachers

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Montessori Certification

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Early Childhood Education Center Principal

Join to apply for the Early Childhood Education Center Principal role at City Garden Montessori School.

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the principal of our Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) will lead our preschool to kindergarten building for the 2022-23 school year and beyond. We seek an exceptional leader aligned with the Montessori philosophy, grounded in anti-bias and antiracist values, passionate about whole-child education, academic excellence, and holistic development for children of all backgrounds. The ideal candidate loves engaging with students, teachers, staff, and families as partners, is eager to learn, open to feedback, and always places children at the center of decision-making.

A full breakdown of the role's responsibilities can be found here.

Qualifications & Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong belief in CGMS’s mission, values, and educational model
• Familiarity with Montessori Theory of Development; ideally Montessori certification from a MACTE-accredited program and experience as an Early Childhood Montessori teacher
• Understanding of systemic racism and oppression; success in integrating antiracism principles in education
• 8+ years in Pre-K-8 education
• 3+ years of successful leadership with proven results (school leadership and principal certification preferred)
• Experience with assessment and achievement data analysis
• Experience setting and guiding a vision for large teams
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders (students, staff, parents, leadership, board)
• Experience coaching teachers (strongly preferred)
• Track record of strong academic outcomes and commitment to whole-child education
• Satisfactory background check and safety clearance
• Proficiency with email, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, calendar, and file management

Application Materials

• Updated resume
• Transcripts (optional initially, required upon candidacy)
• Certifications (optional initially, required upon candidacy)
• Thorough, personal responses to application questions, demonstrating your leadership and vision

City Garden Montessori School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Education and Training
• Industry: Primary and Secondary Education