Head of Lower School
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Barrie School seeks candidates for the position of Head of Lower School, with employment beginning on July 1, 2026. Reporting directly to the Head of School and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Lower School will be integral in developing and implementing a modern Montessori program that prepares young learners not just for school but for life itself.
Barrie School seeks a Lower School Head who
- inspires and collaborates with faculty, students, and the broader school community around a shared vision;
- is a consummate advocate for teachers, a skilled coach, and a role model to encourage faculty and staff self-evaluation and professional growth;
- communicates clearly and transparently, both in writing and orally;
- has extensive background in and knowledge of progressive Montessori teaching practices and pedagogy;
- is committed to supporting an intentionally diverse, equitable, and inclusive community by fostering a culture where all community members feel seen, have a voice, and can thrive;
- possesses strong emotional intelligence, unimpeachable integrity, and enjoys collaborative teamwork;
- works in close collaboration with families to build trusting partnerships throughout the community;
- is a skilled communicator, a keen listener, a dynamic speaker, and an excellent writer;
- can manage budget and monitor expenditures, has experience with safety/security issues, and can successfully integrate technology to support the administrative requirements of the position and the broader curriculum;
- recruits, retains, and supports a diverse faculty;
- develops programs and shapes school culture around collaboration and partnership, teaching students and adults alike how to be leaders while also balancing achievement with well-being.
About the School
What is school for if not for preparing students for their actual future lives? That’s the question Barrie School has asked since our founding in 1932. From the outset, children were encouraged to “develop their individual interests, aptitudes and abilities within the overall social atmosphere of the group environment” through “hands-on learning, student-centered instruction and active learning at all levels.” Teachers have always been mentors, posing great questions. With a deep belief in the potential of all human beings, Barrie has unquestionably stood as “a fierce champion of social and economic equality for children’s and women’s rights, and multicultural pluralism. Barrie has always been ‘a school for all nations’, consciously seeking a racially integrated student body.” Ongoing learning, doing as learning, and learning through diversity define this school.
For students, this means that the experience is anchored in preparing for life and making meaningful contributions. That’s what brings many of us to Barrie, seeking a school that makes more sense for the world we live in. Barrie’s strength as the flagship Montessori school for the DMV sets the stage. Students in our Lower School classrooms experience autonomy and independence, develop confidence, competence, and intrinsic motivation, and grow to recognize their social responsibility to each other and to the world as a global citizen. Beyond Montessori, we offer smaller class sizes, more individualization, and flexible learning environments, maintaining high standards that result in student agency, meaningful learning, and well-being. Learning at our school has been and should always be about creating space, pursuing passions, and making an impact. To that end, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Barrie School will offer the Global Impact Diploma as a dual diploma program.
About the Role
This full-time position will report to the Head of School and will be a member of the Senior Administrative team. Barrie seeks candidates who are experienced, credentialed Montessori educators who also embrace research-driven, innovative approaches to student learning and professional development. Both administrative and instructional leadership experience are essential, as the division Head leads an established program staffed by experienced educators as well as interns. Candidates should possess the ability to work with individual teachers to provide thoughtful guidance and feedback on teaching and to collaborate on crafting professional development. We welcome candidates with a background in public and private school settings.
In a diverse school community serving students aged 3 months through Grade 12 encompassing a number of key constituencies, the division Head must be a team-builder and advocate for faculty and families. The face of Lower School, the Head of Lower School should balance building consensus with taking initiative in a variety of issues relevant to the Montessori program and the school overall.
The Head of Lower School will collaborate with an array of leaders and teachers from across the school; of note, the Lower School Head will forge a strong partnership with the Head of Middle and Upper School. This includes being part of discussions regarding the school’s policies and strategic path, leading efforts to continually refine and improve curriculum, teaching, and learning practices across the school, managing the budget and finances with the business office, and supporting the continuation of a strong before and after-care program and summer toddler program.
In addition, the Division Head will collaborate closely with the Head of the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies to work as advocates for our teaching philosophy. This includes helping current and prospective families understand and embrace that approach, driving implementation of best practices, advocating for research-based enhancements to the Montessori method, and supporting Barrie as a sought-after learning site for interns. Barrie is also accredited by the American Montessori Society, so familiarity with AMS training, practices, and research is essential.
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience
- Have five or more years of full-time administrative experience (both preferably in a Montessori School).
- Have a Primary teacher Montessori certification or be willing to complete requirements as per OCC regulations for a program director.
Salary & Benefits
Salary ranges between $100,000-$130,000. Salary is commensurate with experience.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plan options, paid time off, various leave programs, and opportunities for professional development.
To Apply
Please submit the following:
- Cover Letter
- CV
- A statement of education/leadership philosophy
- List of five (5) Professional References
Click here to apply via IntelliHire.