HEAD OF SCHOOL July 1, 2026 CASA DI MIR MONTESSORI SCHOOLCasa di Mir Montessori School, a thriving independent Montessori school in San Jose, CA, is seeking a visionary, strategic, and results-driven leader to serve as its next Head of School. With a commitment to authentic Montessori education and a mission to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners, Casa di Mir is entering a new phase of growth. The next Head of School will combine strategic leadership, operational expertise, and entrepreneurial vision to guide the school with intention toward expanded enrollment, strengthened financial sustainability, and deepened community engagement. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of a school with a strong foundation, committed families, and a dedicated faculty, while honoring the Montessori philosophy that has guided the school since its founding.THE OPPORTUNITYCasa di Mir Montessori School is the South Bay's only Montessori school for children from Preschool through 8th Grade, serving students from 3 to 14 years old. Founded in 1989, Casa di Mir was established to provide children in the San Jose area with an authentic Montessori education focused on independence, curiosity, and respect for self, others, and the environment. The school’s first families envisioned a nurturing environment where children could thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, guided by teachers who honor each child’s developmental journey. Over the years, Casa di Mir has grown steadily, developing a strong reputation for academic excellence, personalized learning, and community-centered values. Today, the school remains grounded in its founding mission while embracing innovation, strategic growth, and excellence in Montessori pedagogy. It is currently a verified American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliate and is moving toward full accreditation. ABOUT CASA DI MIR MONTESSORI SCHOOL AT A GLANCE 158Students Primary: 55 Lower Elementary: 52 Upper Elementary: 36 Middle: 15 BIPOC: 68% 18 Lead teachers & specialists 9Assistant teachers 8Administrators & staff $15,280 -$25,110Tuition $3.6MOperating Budget Our mission is to provide an authentic Montessori education in a nurturing school community. With a strong emphasis on academics, creativity, and peace education, we provide a learning experience that promotes confidence, individual responsibility, and a strong sense of global citizenship. VISION To be the leading Montessori school in Silicon Valley, recognized for educational excellence, innovative programming, strong community engagement, and a commitment to developing the whole child.MISSION STATEMENTPROGRAM Casa di Mir follows the Montessori philosophy that emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and student autonomy. The school offers an authentic, integrated Montessori curriculum with trained guides who tailor the learning experience to each child's unique needs and passions. Casa di Mir’s faculty are dedicated to nurturing a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and joy in learning and work closely with families to ensure holistic student development. Peace is at the heart of Montessori education and therefore a strong focus at Casa di Mir. Children learn to be in touch with their feelings and develop empathy by practicing compassion and sensitivity to the needs and emotions of others. Through guided experiences, students are introduced to non-violent communication, peaceful conflict resolution, and shared problem-solving. The Primary Program nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through hands- on learning in a carefully prepared environment. Guided by Montessori principles, children build independence, focus, and self-discipline during this formative stage. They explore language, math, art, science, and practical life both in the classroom and outdoor spaces. Guides observe and support each child’s unique pace, fostering confidence and a strong foundation for future success. The Elementary Program fosters curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. Grounded in Montessori philosophy, it supports children in the Second Plane of Development—a time of growing independence, social awareness, and responsibility. Students begin with big-picture concepts before moving to detail, progressing from hands-on exploration to deeper abstraction. The program builds confidence, collaboration, and community while supporting academic, social, and emotional growth. Casa's unique Middle School Program provides learning experiences that challenge students to explore real-world complexities and develop strong critical thinking skills, preparing them not only for high school, but for life beyond. Through integrated, rigorous, and individualized academics, combined with an emphasis on social responsibility and sustainability, students flourish intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Casa di Mir also offers a range of co-curricular programs for all students, including art, music, PE, and Spanish. PROGRAM (continued)Casa di Mir currently serves 158 students, representing a diverse and engaged community. Families are deeply invested in the school, participating in events, volunteering, and supporting fundraising initiatives. The school cultivates a welcoming, inclusive culture where students and families feel valued, and collaboration is central to success. Strong parent and family partnerships enhance the school’s visibility, resources, and community impact. Casa di Mir employs a highly qualified, committed faculty trained in Montessori methods. Guides are encouraged to engage in professional development and to collaborate across classrooms to ensure a consistent and high-quality educational experience. The faculty culture is one of collegiality and shared purpose. Staff development and retention are priorities for the new Head of School, who will be expected to support and inspire faculty to achieve both personal and institutional goals. Previously housed on two campuses, Casa di Mir moved to its current facility in 2024. The expansive campus offers much-needed classroom and outdoor spaces, and offers significant opportunities for future growth.COMMUNITYThe next Head of School will be challenged to lead the school's strategic priority of becoming the leading Montessori school in the South Bay. In service to this, the Head of School will:PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT HEAD OF SCHOOL Provide Visionary Leadership: Implement and operationalize a strategic vision that strengthens the school’s educational program, culture, and community presence. Drive Enrollment Growth and Retention: Lead marketing, outreach, and enrollment initiatives to attract new families, retain current ones, and broaden the school’s visibility. Enhance Financial Sustainability: Oversee strategic financial growth and fundraising, cultivating philanthropic support and partnerships to support and expand programs and campus improvements. Nurture Community and Culture: Foster collaboration among faculty, staff, families, and the board while reinforcing a culture of excellence and shared purpose that preserves Casa’s strong core identity and “cozy, casual essence.” Lead Operational Excellence: In partnership with the Associate Head of School, ensure smooth day-to-day operations, streamline and standardize best practices while preserving community autonomy, support faculty development, and maintain high standards for student achievement and well-being. The Head of School will be a visible and accessible presence on campus, balancing operational leadership with relational warmth, embodying the Montessori values of respect, patience, and stewardship.The ideal candidate will have: Leadership experience in a progressive independent school setting; Montessori experience is welcome but not required A record of strategic planning, operational leadership, and financial management Success in enrollment growth, marketing, and fundraising initiatives An energetic, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented leadership style Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills Authenticity, humility, empathy and emotional intelligence Ability to work collaboratively with the Associate Head of School, who will focus on direct program leadership Deep appreciation for a diversity of people and ideas Casa di Mir values leadership, strategic vision, and operational expertise above specific Montessori credentials. A candidate who appreciates Montessori principles and demonstrates the ability to support a child-centered, developmentally appropriate learning environment will be successful.CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCESCasa di Mir Montessori School’s next Head of School will begin on July 1, 2026, with the possibility of the start date being advanced to July 1, 2027. The Board of Directors has appointed a search committee to conduct the search and has engaged a national executive search firm, Educational Directions, to assist the committee. Please direct all inquiries and nominations in confidence to: Jay Underwood | jay.underwood@edudx.com Shoshanna Lurie | shoshanna.lurie@edudx.com Interested candidates should begin the application process as soon as possible and email the consultants with a resume before submitting other materials. Interested individuals must contact the consultants and share a resume at least seven days prior to the deadline of March 27 in order to be considered as a candidate in this search. After an initial conversation with the consultants, applicants should submit the following documents, in the following order, in a single PDF via email: A letter addressed to Members of the Search Committee explaining their interest in becoming the next head of Casa di Mir Montessori School A resume detailing current and previous roles and accomplishments A statement of leadership philosophy The names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of five references with an explanation of their relationship to the candidate References will not be contacted without the prior agreement of the candidate, and finalists will be expected to furnish five additional references. The annual salary range for this position is $180,000 to $200,000 with a benefits package that includes health insurance and access to a retirement savings program. Casa di Mir Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks qualified candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and identities. THE SEARCH PROCESS
