Montessori Head of School

American Montessori Society Inc; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dandelion Chinese Montessori School in Philadelphia is seeking an experienced Head of School to launch and lead operations, programs, and staff for a premier Chinese immersion Montessori program opening Spring 2027. The role partners with the Founder/CEO to build the school's framework, recruit faculty, and foster an inclusive culture rooted in Montessori principles.

Responsibilities include curriculum oversight, enrollment coordination, staff development, and external communications to families

Qualifications

• Must meet PA Chapter 3270.35 requirements (Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Ed with 2+ years admin exp or master’s with related credits).
• AMI/AMS/MACTE Montessori Certification (Primary or IT) is required.
• Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administrative success of all school programs and compliance with laws.
• Collaborate with Founder/CEO to create strategic plan initiatives.
• Recruit and supervise teaching and non-teaching staff; manage compensation and development policies.
• Coordinate curricula with Lead Teachers and support staff in the immersion program.
• Serve as spokesperson and manage internal/external communications; engage with the Philadelphia community.

Skills

Mandarin/English fluency

Leadership experience

Administrative experience

Education

Pennsylvania DHS Director Eligibility

AMI/AMS/MACTE Montessori Certification

Job description

Department: Early Childhood / Chinese Immersion

Reports To: Founder/CEO

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Dandelion Chinese Montessori School

Dandelion Chinese Montessori School is a premier Chinese Immersion Montessori program opening in the Spring of 2027 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to combine authentic Montessori pedagogy with immersive Chinese language acquisition to nurture culture-confident, independent, and globally conscious young learners.

Job Summary

Dandelion Chinese Montessori School is seeking an experienced, visionary Head of School to lead the launch, educational program, and daily operations. Working closely with the Founder/CEO, the Head of School will build the school’s operational framework from the ground up, establish a warm and inclusive culture, oversee curriculum delivery, and drive student and teacher recruitment.

Qualifications

• Pennsylvania DHS Director Eligibility: Must unconditionally fulfill PA Chapter 3270.35 requirements (e.g., a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with 2+ years of administrative experience, or a master's degree with relevant childhood credits, background checks, fingerprinting, CPR/First Aid certification, physical exam, and TB test).
• Montessori Certification: AMI, AMS, or MACTE (Primary or IT) Certification, required.
• Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English required.
• School Leadership Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in a Montessori or Early Childhood Education setting, required.
• Administrative experience required, with demonstrated leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Overall

• Responsible for the administrative success of all school programs.
• Ensure that the school complies with all applicable governmental laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Founder/CEO to create strategic plan initiatives, and work towards fulfilling the plan's goals and objectives.

Personnel

Teaching Staff

• Recruit teaching staff in partnership with Lead Teachers.

Non-Teaching Staff

• Select and employ non-teaching personnel.

All Staff

• Administer equitable systems of compensation, working conditions, and professional development of all staff.
• Where necessary, counsel and advise school employees.
• Advise the Founder/CEO of any personnel issues.
• Build and maintain a collaborative, respectful workplace culture focused on excellence rooted in Montessori principles and shared educational values.
• Model and facilitate a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, including productive feedback and evaluation of staff.

Enrollment

• Oversee and coordinate recruitment of students.
• Represent and market Dandelion Chinese Montessori’s mission and program to prospective families.
• Give tours to prospective families.
• Inform parents and prospective parents of enrollment policies.
• Perform all admissions tasks necessary to achieve Dandelion Chinese Montessori’s objectives.
• Work with respective teachers and parents to arrange classroom visits.

Education

• Work with Lead Teachers to coordinate curricula.
• Support staff with all aspects of the language immersion program.
• Help guide Lead Teachers in achieving educational goals.
• Coordinate and attend all Lead Teacher meetings.
• Serve as liaison between teachers and parents to resolve classroom issues.
• Organize parent education workshops, cultural events, and progress meetings.
• Maintain school discipline policy consistently and respectfully.

Public Relations

• Coordinate all internal and external school communications.
• Serve as spokesperson for Dandelion Chinese Montessori.
• Maintain constructive liaisons with other educational institutions and associations.
• Facilitate communication among all the school’s constituents and encourage their participation in Dandelion Chinese Montessori activities and events.
• Represent Dandelion Chinese Montessori in the Philadelphia community at large.

Operations Support

• Remain informed of trends, research, and legislation affecting Dandelion Chinese Montessori’s management, operation, and policy.
• Advise the Founder/CEO when policy changes or action may be necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive records on students, staff, and prospective students.

Finance

• Serve as Business Manager for Dandelion Chinese Montessori.
• Execute the financial policies set by the Founder/CEO, including communicating school policies and decisions to parents and prospective parents.
• Assist the Founder/CEO with financial issues and long-term planning.
• Generate all staff contracts, including salary, seniority, and benefits.

School Facilities, Equipment, and Daily Operations

• Oversee daily operations of Dandelion Chinese Montessori and ensure a safe, friendly environment.
• Attend to tasks and responsibilities associated with the successful operation of the school (e.g., communication, security, maintenance) as needed and sometimes in a hands-on capacity.
• Supervise Dandelion Chinese Montessori’s maintenance to ensure an aesthetically attractive and safe environment in cooperation with the Founder/CEO.
• Maintain all lease and mortgage arrangements.
• Advise the Founder/CEO on facilities and equipment improvement needs.