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.

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.

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.

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.

About Barrie School

Established in 1932 as the first racially integrated educational institution in the region, Barrie School is a progressive independent school that inspires excellence, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility through innovation in learning. The school serves to empower our students to expand their intellectual abilities, develop their creative talents, and discover their passions to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world. Serving a diverse and inclusive student body, our intentional educational throughline—from Montessori (3 months to Grade 5) to Project-Based Learning (Grades 6 to 12)—cultivates learning that lasts. Our challenging educational experiences unlock intrinsic motivation and innovation in students, faculty, and staff. Above all, our community fosters a deep sense of belonging by honoring student voice and responsibility. Located close to D.C., Barrie School provides an extraordinary learning environment integrating local, national, and global educational opportunities. Our verdant, 45-acre campus of open fields, streams, ponds, and forests provides space for learning and play. Barrie encourages students to develop their own interests and unique talents t...hrough hands-on, experiential learning that promotes 21st-century outcomes, including: Analytical and creative thinking and problem-solving Complex written and oral communication Leadership and teamwork Digital and quantitative literacy Global perspectives Adaptability, initiative, and risk-taking Integrity and ethical decision-making Barrie is also home to the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies—one of the largest school-based teacher education programs in the country—and Barrie Camp, a Washington, D.C.-area tradition since the 1950s.

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Connections working at Barrie School