Head of School Search 2026
Head of School – Montessori Academy of Lancaster
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Location: Lancaster, PA
Reports to: Board of Trustees
About Montessori Academy of Lancaster
Montessori Academy of Lancaster is a nurturing, dynamic, and values-driven learning environment that serves students from Toddler through Upper Elementary 96th grade). Established in 1982, our school has been rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which empowers independent thinking, self-directed learning, and compassionate leadership. Our school of 175-250 students is seeking a Head of School who can continue this legacy while embracing the Montessori tradition and leading the school into its next chapter of strategic growth, visibility, and community impact.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania is nationally renowned as one of the most distinctive and livable communities, blending beautiful historic rural lifestyles of an earlier time with walkable small-city culture ranging from Lancaster city to Lititz to Ephrata, Strasburg, Manheim, Marietta and so much more. The area is genuinely diverse — in its people, its food, its culture, and its beautiful landscape. Within a few miles of one another you will find historic center city with a thriving vibrant art scene and a food lover’s paradise worthy of national recognition, quiet unassuming suburbs, and open farmland still deeply rooted with traditional Amish communities and their rich history.
The area is centrally located: 40 miles to Harrisburg, 60 miles to Philadelphia, 110 miles to D.C., 160 miles to New York City with easy transportation access including via Amtrak and commercial flights from Lancaster and Harrisburg airports. Franklin & Marshall College, the oldest of several Lancaster colleges and universities, contributes lectures, performances, exhibitions, and an engaged academic community to Lancaster’s cultural life.
Montessori Academy of Lancaster sits within this rich and layered community as a natural extension of it all — diverse, engaged, and deeply rooted. Our families represent the breadth of Lancaster County - generational and new - and that diversity is something we actively value and cultivate.
Position Summary
The Head of School (HOS) is the strategic and operational leader of Montessori Academy of Lancaster. The HOS is responsible for the overall leadership and administration of the school, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, enrollment growth, and external relations. The HOS is expected to be a visible, inspiring presence within and beyond the school community, cultivating strong relationships with families, faculty, donors, and the greater Lancaster area.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Champion the mission, values, and Montessori philosophy of MAL.
- Collaborate with the Board to define and implement strategic priorities, especially in the areas of enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and program development.
- Create a positive, inclusive culture that supports collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
Educational Leadership
- Supervise and support the Administrative Team and faculty in maintaining excellence in Montessori instruction and curriculum.
- Champion child-centered, developmentally aligned practices across all program levels.
- Promote professional development and mentoring to ensure instructional quality and staff retention.
Marketing, Communications & Advancement
- Serve as the chief ambassador and spokesperson for MAL in the broader community.
- Lead the development of a comprehensive marketing and branding strategy that strengthens MAL’s visibility, enrollment, and fundraising capacity.
- Oversee internal and external communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and engagement with key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Board on annual and long-term fundraising strategies, including donor stewardship and event-based fundraising.
Community Engagement
- Foster a warm, welcoming school culture for families, students, faculty, and staff.
- Build meaningful partnerships with local organizations, alumni, and parent groups.
- Lead initiatives and public events that showcase MAL’s programs and values.
Enrollment & Admissions
- Oversee and refine the admissions and enrollment processes, with a focus on reaching full enrollment across all programs.
- Utilize data to monitor enrollment trends and adjust outreach and retention strategies accordingly.
- Work closely with faculty and administrative staff to ensure a smooth and personalized admissions experience for prospective families.
Operations & Finance
- Oversee the school’s operations and supervise administrative staff with efficiency, transparency, and foresight.
- Work closely with the Finance Committee to develop and manage the annual budget and long-term financial planning.
- Oversee compliance with state licensing, accreditation, and safety requirements.
- Provide clear and timely reporting to the Board and serve as liaison between the Board and the school community.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or other related field. (Master’s degree strongly preferred)
- Minimum of 5–7 years in educational leadership, preferably within a Montessori or independent school
- Demonstrated experience in enrollment management, marketing, or development
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and align operational and strategic goals
- Deep respect for the Montessori philosophy and the ability to lead a Montessori school with integrity
Montessori Academy of Lancaster is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in matters related to employment.
Related Links
Fast Facts
- Montessori program for children ages 18 months through grade six
- Mon-Fri full day and half day programs, 8:45 am - 3:30 pm program dependent
- Before and after care options and after school clubs are available
- Teacher:Student ratios: 1:6 in toddler, 1:12 in multi-age classrooms
- 10-acre nature-inspired school property
- Established in 1982 by Montessori trained parents
- Inclusive school community embracing peace education