Career Center

Presidio Academy seeks an extraordinary and visionary educational leader to serve as the Founding Head of School for an exceptional new K-8 independent school in San Francisco, California. This pivotal role demands a diverse and deep skill set, dynamic leadership qualities, and demonstrated ability to pioneer an innovative and intentionally small school divided into three distinct divisions. Presidio Academy’s Lower Elementary Program will embrace the esteemed Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) philosophy in the early years, while the Middle and Upper Schools will emphasize contemporary, mastery-based teaching and learning strategies to effectively prepare students for academic excellence driven by their own curiosity.

As our Founding Head of School, you will have the opportunity to shape and inspire a thriving learning community through your compelling vision, strategic direction, and strong execution skills. Your ability to set and then exceed ambitious long-term goals and your tactical approach will be instrumental in establishing Presidio Academy as a beacon of educational excellence in the Bay Area and beyond.

Community building will be at the heart of your work as you create an inclusive and supportive environment where students, families, and staff can flourish. Your passion for educational innovation and instructional coaching will empower teachers and guides to implement effective instructional methods and a nurturing environment that foster a love for learning.

If you are a seasoned and determined school leader, with a background in a wide range of educational approaches, and driven to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the broader community, we invite you to join us in this unprecedented opportunity. Together, we will build a transformative and contemporary educational legacy at Presidio Academy.

Presidio Academy aims to provide a meaningful learning program for a small cohort of Lower Elementary students in Fall 2024 before more fully opening its campus in Fall 2025. Consequently, we aim to appoint the Founding Head of School by July 1, 2024, with the possibility of earlier employment or consultation if feasible.

Presidio Academy has engaged DovetailED to lead this search.  Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a Cover Letter, Resume (2-page maximum), and list of references to DovetailED President Zack Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com.  The application deadline is November 17.  

Presidio Academy Founding Head of School Opportunity Statement: https://bit.ly/3Q9pjPo

• A Master's degree in Education or related field.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, pedagogy, and child psychology.
• Ability to balance academic rigor and excellence with healthy social and emotional growth.
• A deep background in mastery-based educational environments.
• AMI certification, or experience in an AMI Montessori environment strongly preferred.
• Experience leading place-based learning programs strongly preferred.
• Experience implementing International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) strongly preferred.