Head of School

Ami/USA; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cascadia School in Vancouver, WA seeks a Head of School to guide a well-established Montessori community serving grades 1–8 for over 30 years. The leader will nurture relationships with families, staff, and the Board, while upholding a strong Montessori philosophy and mission.

The Head will partner with a dedicated faculty, lead strategic planning, and advance enrollment, fundraising, and community engagement to ensure sustainable growth and continued educational excellence in the Pacific

Qualifications

• Deep appreciation for Montessori philosophy and child-centered education; 5+ years in a Montessori setting.
• Successful leadership in an independent or mission-driven school, with at least 5 years of experience.
• Ability to inspire trust, align stakeholders, and define a long-term strategic vision.
• Excellent communication skills in multiple formats.
• Alignment with the school community's mission and values.
• Experience honoring diverse learning and social styles of students and staff.
• Experience managing the non-academic operations of a school.
• Commitment to faculty development and community engagement.
• Growth mindset and ongoing learning about Montessori education and related areas.

Responsibilities

• Foster and strengthen the Cascadia School community center.
• Build upon Cascadia’s Montessori foundation and reputation.
• Develop enrollment channels, community engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Partner with, inspire, and develop talented staff.
• Guide strategic planning and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.

Skills

Montessori philosophy

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Community engagement

Staff development

Diversity & inclusion

Non-profit operations

Growth mindset

Job description

Application Deadline: N/A

Head of School

Lead a Thriving Montessori Community in the Pacific Northwest

Cascadia School seeks an inspiring, relationship-centered leader to serve as its next Head of School. This is a unique opportunity to guide a well-established Montessori community that has been serving children and families in Southwest Washington for more than 30 years.

Located in Vancouver, Washington, Cascadia combines the warmth of a close-knit independent school community with the professional, cultural, and outdoor opportunities of one of the nation’s most desirable regions. The next Head of School will join a school with a strong mission, dedicated staff, engaged families, and a clear commitment to authentic Montessori education.

About Cascadia School

Founded in 1994, Cascadia School is an independent Montessori school serving students in grades 1–8. The school’s mission is to encourage the inherent love of learning and guide the development of the whole child, preparing students to become responsible, contributing members of their local and global communities.

Cascadia is known for:

• A deeply authentic Montessori approach grounded in respect for the child.
• Multi-age classrooms that foster independence, collaboration, leadership, and self-discipline.
• A strong emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic excellence.
• An engaged and supportive parent community.
• A culture that values curiosity, compassion, critical thinking, citizenship, and stewardship of the natural world.

The school operates as a nonprofit organization governed by an active Board of Directors composed of parents, alumni parents, and community members.

Why Cascadia?

At Cascadia, students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, collaborative problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. The school’s Montessori philosophy emphasizes individualized learning, purposeful work, freedom with responsibility, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.

Faculty members are well trained and deeply committed to Montessori education. Families describe Cascadia as a welcoming community where children are known, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Community feedback consistently highlights the school’s strong culture, dedicated educators, and transformative educational experience.

Nestled between the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains, Vancouver offers an exceptional quality of life that continues to attract families and professionals from across the country.

A Place to Thrive

Access to world-class outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping.

Proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and the Pacific Coast.

A vibrant downtown waterfront with restaurants, parks, and community events.

A family-friendly atmosphere with strong neighborhoods and excellent recreational opportunities.

Easy access to Portland International Airport and the cultural amenities of the greater Portland metropolitan area.

The Best of Both Worlds

Vancouver combines the advantages of a growing metropolitan region with the livability of a smaller community. Washington residents benefit from no state income tax, while remaining connected to the educational, cultural, and professional opportunities throughout the Portland-Vancouver region.

For educational leaders seeking both professional fulfillment and an exceptional lifestyle, Vancouver offers a compelling combination of community, opportunity, and natural beauty.

The Opportunity

We seek someone who wants to partner with our healthy and vibrant community to:

• Continue fostering the community at the center of who we are.
• Build upon Cascadia’s strong Montessori foundation and respected reputation.
• Develop enrollment channels, community engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Partner with, inspire, and develop talented staff.
• Guide strategic planning and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.

This role is ideal for a visionary leader who values authentic Montessori education, collaborative leadership, and community building.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications

The strongest candidates will demonstrate:

• A deep appreciation for Montessori philosophy and child-centered education, ideally with at least 5 years of experience in a Montessori setting
• Successful leadership experience demonstrating a flexible and open style in an independent school or mission-driven educational setting, ideally with at least 5 years of successful experience
• The ability to inspire trust, confidence, and shared purpose among our committed community, including students, families, and staff; and defining and executing with us a long-term strategic vision
• Excellent communication skills in multiple formats
• Alignment with our community’s mission and values
• Experience honoring diverse learning and social styles of student and staff populations
• Successful experience managing the non-academic operations of a school
• A commitment to faculty development and community engagement
• A growth mindset and interest in ongoing learning about Montessori education and other areas of benefit to your professional development
• Experience fundraising in a non-profit context

If you don’t yet bear all these qualifications, please consider how your current skills and abilities demonstrate your capacity to grow into them.

Join a Community That Believes in Children

For more than three decades, Cascadia School has inspired students to become confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens. The next Head of School will have the opportunity to lead a thriving Montessori community while enjoying an extraordinary quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. Together with dedicated educators, supportive families, and an engaged Board, the next leader will help shape the future of one of Southwest Washington’s most respected Montessori schools.