Head of School Search

Lower Elementary student with a butterfly on his nose

Upper Elementary students playing outside

Adolescent Community student works with bees

Toddlers sit on a bench looking out a window

Montessori Community School is excited to work with Mary Seppala of Educators Collaborative in our search for a Head of School to begin July 1, 2026. This meaningful opportunity is ideal for a dedicated leader who finds deep purpose in Montessori education while embracing evolving educational best practices.

The next Head of School will build upon Montessori Community School’s strong foundation while shaping its future with creativity and purpose. Working alongside an engaged faculty, supportive families, and a dedicated Board of Trustees, the Head will lead a community deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy, the holistic development of every child, and Diversity, Equity, and Belonging practices that ensure every person is recognized and supported. With thriving enrollment, a beautiful sustainable campus, and a culture of collaboration and respect, the new Head will find a community eager for inspired leadership that honors tradition while guiding the school into an exciting future.

MCS Approach to Montessori Education

Holistic education philosophy
Dynamic, engaged classrooms
Prepared environment
Independence as a core principle
Freedom with responsibility
The role of the teacher

Our Search Committee

Demarcus Andrews – Trustee and Parent
Jed Carlson – Trustee and Past Parent
Barbara Crockett – Past MCS Head of School and Past Parent
Josephina Llodra – Spanish Specialist and Parent
Jennifer Mallen – Past Board Chair and Past Parent
Tal Wittle – Director of Advancement

Timeline

September 15 – 21: Community Survey open to all MCS families, faculty, staff, and friends
September 29 – 30: Mary Seppala on campus visit
Mid-October: Position advertised nationally; applications encouraged from strong candidates
November 15: Application deadline
Mid-November – Early January: Quiet Phase (Confidential Search Committee Work)
- Dossier Review
- Zoom Interviews
- Selection of 2-3 finalists
Mid- to Late January: Finalists visit campus for 2-days
- Search Committee Conversations
- Faculty and Staff Conversations
- Parent Conversations
- Follow-up survey for each constituency
Late January – Early February: Search Committee recommends the finalist to the board of trustees for approval

Letter from the Outgoing Head of School

Dear Montessori Community School Families, Faculty, and Friends,

With a heart full of gratitude for each of you, I share my decision to complete my time as MCS Head of School at the end of this academic year. This is a deeply personal choice in my life’s journey, held with both sadness and love.

Montessori Community School has been home to my heart and spirit and a profound source of joy over the past four years, which makes this decision so very difficult. Yet, I am embracing that sadness as a beautiful reflection of just how meaningful and extraordinary my time at MCS has been.

When I first arrived at MCS, I was immediately drawn to the genuine warmth of this community, the joyful curiosity of the children, and the deep commitment to Montessori’s unique educational value. I’m more proud of our school than words can ever express, and so deeply grateful for all of the work that we have accomplished together. I will miss so many things, especially the most precious moments of connection like guiding our toddlers by the hand to their classroom door in the morning carline, being invited to jump rope by a group of LE students on the playground, or finding a group of AC students at my door sharing a new treasure from their garden. These moments are typical of the many gifts that MCS has given me, and that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life.

To our students: you have truly been my most inspiring teachers, reminding me daily to stay curious, laugh often, and approach life with wonder.
To our families: thank you from the bottom of my heart for entrusting me and the MCS staff with the most precious humans in your lives.
To our staff and faculty: my deepest gratitude for showing up each day with such endless dedication, skill, and belief in what is possible for all of our students.

It has been the greatest privilege of my professional life to steward this community and support the extraordinary work of our faculty and staff. I am also profoundly grateful to our Board of Trustees for their steady support and partnership over the years and especially now, as we begin the important work of finding and welcoming our next Head of School.

This year remains one of promise and possibility, and I am excited to have the immense joy and privilege to spend it with all of you. While change is never easy, I know MCS’s many strengths lie in the care, collaboration, and shared vision of this community—and that unique and amazing spirit will carry us confidently into the next chapter.

I look forward to connecting personally with each of you—whether through a quick hello on campus, a shared laugh at an event, or a meaningful conversation about our school and its future. My door is always open to you, and I truly look forward to making the most of our time together this year.

With my most sincere gratitude, affection, and deep appreciation for each and every one of you,

Angie

A Letter from the Board of Trustees and Head of the Search Committee

Dear Montessori Community School Community,

As an MCS Board Member and Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, I would like to share some reflections and important information following Angie’s announcement that she will complete her time at MCS this coming June, after serving as our Head of School for five years.

First, I want to express our deep gratitude for the tremendous contributions Angie has made to our school community. Angie’s term began in July 2021, when our operations and community members were still being heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Angie’s leadership, and with tireless efforts from across the community, MCS not only recovered but emerged in a stronger financial and enrollment position. Angie then turned to several important initiatives that will continue to bear fruit for many years. These include the creation of our Ignite the Future strategic plan in 2024, after a deep community engagement process; and renewal of MCS’ accreditation with the American Montessori Society later in 2024, maintaining MCS’s position as one of only six AMS-accredited schools in North Carolina. She has also built and supported a talented team who will help to write MCS’s next chapter, including several recent administrative and teaching hires.

As a community, we will find ways to celebrate Angie throughout this year, while also hoping that our remaining time together does not pass too quickly! But mostly, I simply want to say that I cannot thank Angie enough for giving of her dedication, talent, and heart over these five years in service of our mission: “We are a vibrant Montessori community where together, through our dynamic and relevant curriculum, we guide students toward self-discovery and the realization of their unique contributions to the world.”

We are excited to take this next step with you. Thank you for lending your voice, your insights, and your support as we work together to find the next great leader for MCS.

Warmly,

Jenn Mallen

Chair, MCS HoS Search Committee

Past President, MCS Board of Trustees