Located in Stamford, Connecticut, King School is a leading co-educational, PK-12 independent day school defined by intellectual curiosity, purposeful community, and a deep commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world.Head of School July 1, 2027With a rich history, King School is the convergence of three founding schools: Low-Heywood, King, and Thomas School, united by a shared belief in student-centered excellence. Today, King stands as a dynamic and forward-looking institution serving more than 700 students across a 35-acre campus in the heart of the competitive “Fairchester” market. King’s inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning fosters courageous thinking, authentic engagement, and meaningful exploration at every division. From its Reggio Emilia–inspired Early Childhood program to its distinctive Upper School ASPIRE program, King empowers students not simply to master content, but to generate ideas, ask consequential questions, and act as agents in their own learning. Under the leadership of Head of School Carol Maoz, the school has experienced six years of steady momentum, marked by strategic clarity, financial stability, strong enrollment, and a vibrant culture grounded in belonging and high expectations—and is well positioned for the future. With the retirement of the current Head of School, the Board of Trustees seeks a seasoned and visionary leader to begin July 1, 2027, who will steward and strengthen King’s position as one of the premier independent schools in the Fairfield–Westchester region. The next Head of School will honor the school’s culture of warmth and personal connection while amplifying its distinctive strengths, reinforcing institutional sustainability, and inspiring the community to continue its excellence.Mission King School prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our students are immersed in an engaging and innovative curriculum anchored in an inquiry-based approach that fosters curiosity, intellectual growth, and character development. At King, individual accomplishment complements a deep sense of belonging. We embrace diversity in all its forms, nurturing every student to learn and grow in a collaborative and supportive community. Guided by dedicated educators and a commitment to academic excellence, King students become invested in their journey, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are well-equipped to succeed in college and beyond. They graduate with a global mindset, a strong sense of social responsibility, and the confidence to pursue lives of purpose. Virtues Integrity: Being honest and accountable to our shared principles. Kindness: Treating others with empathy and compassion. Perseverance: Pursuing excellence with a focus on growth and improvement in the face of challenges. Respect: Treating every person with dignity through our words and actions. King's virtues are actively woven into school culture, community expectations, and daily experience. They serve as guiding principles for learning, behavior, and interactions throughout the school community. Curriculum The King School curriculum, spanning from Prekindergarten through Grade 12, is unified by a core educational philosophy that prioritizes and optimizes engagement through an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. All aspects of the King experience, from the variety of immersive learning experiences to intentional efforts to reach and engage every child, center on developing the skills students need to tackle real-life problems. The academic program encourages students to identify problems, ask complex questions, and seek solutions, fostering critical thinking, deep knowledge, and a love for discovery that leads to the highest level of individual student achievement.The Early Childhood and Lower School (PreK - Grade 5) programs offer a stimulating and academically sound foundation built on established developmental standards. Housed in the recently renovated and enhanced Early Childhood Center, the Early Childhood Education program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy. Grounded in the premise that children are capable and curious learners, the Reggio Emilia approach views learning as a collaborative process, values the environment as an essential part of teaching and learning, and builds curriculum from students’ questions and teacher observation. The Lower School builds upon this foundation with inquiry-based instruction that sparks curiosity, builds empathy, and helps young learners see themselves as part of a big, interconnected world. Within a safe, nurturing community, students are comfortable collaborating with others and taking risks, and, in the process, they gain confidence in their abilities to be successful learners. The entire learning culture is defined by King's virtues: integrity, kindness, perseverance, and respect.Curriculum (continued)Curriculum (continued) The Middle School (Grades 6-8) offers a rigorous, age-appropriate program that fosters growing self-reliance while deepening a sense of community and teamwork. The key concepts of communication, intellectual processing, character development, and personal growth are threaded throughout the curriculum as students learn to pursue lives of learning and accomplishment, personal fulfillment, and social responsibility. Along with the core classes in English, Math, History, Science, and World Languages (Spanish, French, or Mandarin), students experience courses in Art and Design, Performing Arts, and Computer Science, Engineering, and Digital Innovation. QUICK FACTS 710 Students Lower School (Ages 3-Grade 5): 172 Middle School (Grades 6-8): 168 Upper School (Grades 9-12): 370 31% BIPOC Tuition PreK: $42,970 Kindergarten: $49,300 Grades 1-4: $49,800 Grade 5: $51,640 Grades 6-8: $53,300 Grades 9-12: $57,510 103 Full-time Faculty Faculty of color: 15 Student-to-teacher ratio: 14 to 1 Average class size: 10-12 Faculty retention: 90% in 2025-26 Administrators: 35 Total Faculty, Staff, and Administrators: 180 2025-26 Overall Budget $39,642,200In the Upper School (Grades 9-12), learning is driven by curiosity and exploration. The inquiry-based model encourages students to ask meaningful questions, solve real-world problems, and engage deeply across disciplines. With a flexible schedule and diverse academic offerings, students are empowered to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and shape a learning journey that reflects their unique strengths and goals. In addition to the rigorous course offerings in the College Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement programs, students can elect to earn Certificates of Distinction in several areas of study, including STEM, Leadership, Global Studies, Art and Design, World Languages, and Performing Arts. Finally, students who would like to extend the learning beyond current course offerings can design independent research projects or supplement the King curriculum with courses through Global Online Academy or One Schoolhouse. Ultimately, King’s educational continuum is designed to nurture open- minded, thoughtful children who grow up as global citizens. By prioritizing curiosity, exploration, and participation in a supportive and nurturing environment, the school ensures that students develop the foundational skills, ethical perspective, and collaborative mindset necessary to thrive in an interconnected world and continue a lifelong journey of learning and discovery. Learn more about the school’s academics here. Curriculum (continued)King School is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and had its last 10-year visiting team review in the 2024-25 school year, receiving the highest ranking in all standards. King is also a member of Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).Accreditation and Membership King School has a 3-year strategic vision (2025-2028): Recommitting to Excellence: A Bold Vision for Innovation, Belonging, and Impact. The next head will have the opportunity to see this strategic vision through completion. Strategic Vision 2025–26 is shaping up to be a banner year, with extraordinary accomplishments across academics, athletics, the arts, and global engagement. The debate team achieved record-breaking success, while Model UN earned top honors at both Brown and Harvard. Two seniors were nationally recognized as a Regeneron Talent Search Top 40 Scholar and Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year. Athletics also saw significant achievements: field hockey captured its first Western New England title; volleyball claimed both NEPSAC and FAA championships with an undefeated season; and varsity boys’ basketball competed at Boston’s TD Garden. In the arts, theater students will take the stage at Scotland’s renowned Fringe Festival, showcasing King talent on an international platform. Global education will expand to nine countries in 2026, reflecting the school’s commitment to immersive, real-world learning. The innovative frog conservation project broadened its impact to the Bronx and Philadelphia zoos, while the King Cares initiative partnered with more than 25 organizations and delivered 3,700 pounds of food directly to neighbors in need. Together, these achievements reflect not only exceptional student performance but also a vibrant, mission-driven community poised for continued growth and impact. Student AchievementsKing believes that the arts provide a unique pathway to self-discovery and self-understanding. The Performing Arts program is designed to promote self-confidence, perseverance, imagination, reflective thinking, and intuition through a collaborative approach. The Art and Design program at King emphasizes the importance of original creative thinking and personal artistic expression. Students of all ages at King participate in the arts, beginning in the Lower School, where students begin an exciting journey of singing, moving, playing instruments, and exploring the magic of sound. The Lower School visual arts lay the foundation for creative exploration, helping students work with different materials, learn about diverse cultures, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities. In the Middle School, arts classes meet two to three times each rotation, providing ample and consistent classroom time to develop and grow. After honing their skills through seventh-grade courses in Band, Choir, Strings, Theater, and Art & Design, eighth-grade students can choose to major in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, or both. Some advanced topics include graphic design, video production, motion graphics, digital photography, digital painting & illustration. The arts curriculum culminates in the Upper School with dozens of Performing and Visual Arts elective courses. Learn more about the arts at King here.Arts Vikings Athletics is very much a part of the fabric of excellence of the King community. The school offers a wide range of interscholastic and developmental opportunities in Grades 6-12. There is a spot on a team for every middle and upper school student, and every athletic experience lends itself to learning. Interscholastic sports teams in the Upper School compete in the Fairchester Athletic Association (FAA) and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC). Since the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, King has won 14 team championships and has produced more than a dozen individual champions. The 2024-25 school year was a historic one, with a school- record eight team championships. Learn more about Vikings Athletics here.AthleticsFive-Year College Matriculation List Allegheny College American University Amherst College Auburn University Barnard College Baylor University Berklee College of Music Binghamton University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brown University Bryn Mawr College Bucknell University California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chapman University Clemson University Colby College Colgate University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross Colorado College Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Denison University Drexel University Duke University Elon University Emory University Emory University-Oxford College Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Florida State University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College George Washington University Georgetown University Hampton University Harvard University Hobart William Smith Colleges Indiana University Johnson & Wales UniversityKing's College London, University of London Lafayette College Lehigh University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Loyola University New Orleans Marist College McGill University Michigan State University Middlebury College Muhlenberg College New York University Northeastern University Northumbria University Northwestern University Norwalk Community College Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio State University Old Dominion University Pennsylvania State University Pitzer College Point Park University Princeton University Providence College Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology Rollins College Rutgers University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Skidmore College Southern Methodist University Springfield College St Lawrence University St Petersburg College Suffolk University Syracuse University Texas Christian University University of Alabama University of Tampa University of Tennessee-Knoxville University of Texas at Austin Sewanee: The University of the SouthTrinity College Tufts University Tulane University United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy University of California-Berkeley University of California-Irvine University of California-Los Angeles University of California-Santa Cruz University of Chicago University of Colorado University of Connecticut University of Denver University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of Southern California University of St Andrews University of Toronto University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan University Western New England University William & Mary Williams CollegeCulture The King School community is distinguished by its profoundly positive and inclusive culture, frequently lauded as authentic, warm, and welcoming. This strong sense of community is a foundational pillar, actively cultivating an environment where diversity is celebrated, multiple perspectives are valued, and every individual feels supported and truly heard. A true partnership with active and engaged parents further strengthens this defining characteristic, fostering meaningful bonds not only among students but also between students and the dedicated faculty. At the heart of this thriving environment are the strong and dedicated faculty and staff, who consistently embody a commitment to the "whole- child" and a student-centered approach. King School teachers are known for “going the extra mile,” offering personalized attention, dedicating time outside of class for extra help, and showing genuine care by supporting students' co- curricular pursuits. This emphasis on a powerful student-teacher relationship ensures that every student is deeply known, enabling them to follow their own individualized path within a culture that champions both personal attention and professional excellence.Culture (continued) One parent commented recently, "I value how King celebrates, supports, and nurtures all children—no matter their interests, strengths, or areas for growth. The school’s focus on the whole child and its commitment to seeing and encouraging each student as an individual make it a place where kids can truly be themselves. School should be a happy place, one that both challenges and prepares students while also giving them the freedom to explore, take risks, make mistakes, and experience the joy of triumph.” King serves more than 700 students in grades PK-Grade 12. While the largest percentage of students hail from Stamford, students come to King from dozens of neighboring towns in both Westchester and Fairfield counties. 23 percent of students receive tuition assistance. The school is a diverse community, with 31 percent of students identifying as students of color.Stamford, Connecticut, sits on the Long Island Sound in Fairfield County, about 40 miles outside of New York City. Stamford offers an exciting mix of urban sophistication and suburban charm with easy access to major cities through the Stamford Transportation Center. Stamford is home to several Fortune 500 companies and a flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Stamford is an inclusive community with over 200 restaurants representing cuisines from all over the world and events that draw residents and visitors from near and far. There are scenic parks, winding trails, and serene shores along Long Island Sound. The city describes itself as a balance of urban convenience and suburban comfort. LocationFairfield County borders Westchester County, New York. Locally, these counties are affectionately referred to as “Fairchester.” In addition to Stamford, the two counties boast well-regarded towns such as Greenwich, New Canaan, and Darien in Connecticut, and Rye, Bedford, Scarsdale, and White Plains in New York. “Fairchester” is known to be a highly educated, highly populated area with a competitive independent school market and savvy and engaged parents and guardians. The school itself sits on a suburban, 35-acre campus set in a residential area of northern Stamford along Newfield Avenue, about a mile from the Merritt Parkway and a few miles from I-95. Combining historic structures and new facilities, the campus includes nine primary buildings, including two that are used for residential purposes, including the Head of School’s home, and three athletic fields, two of which have artificial turf surfaces. A new campus center is expected to open in the summer of 2027. This new addition to King will include easier access between the middle and upper school buildings; the relocation and enhancement of the Innovation Lab and ASPIRE seminar room; the addition of nine instructional and collaboration spaces and an exhibit gallery; the relocation of the Head of School’s office; and much more. Location (continued)The Board of Trustees at King School and the King community seek a head of school who enthusiastically embodies the school’s commitment to academics and community and will establish deep roots in the school, Stamford, and the surrounding communities. The next head of school will find a welcoming and supportive community that is committed to the mission.Candidate Attributes and ExperiencesCandidates must demonstrate most, if not all, of the following critical competencies. The successful candidate will be able to: Carry forward the positive momentum and trajectory of the school and vision cast for future growth Partner with the Board of Trustees in the cultivation of a culture of philanthropy to support strategic initiatives and operational and capital goals Complete the current capital campaign and help develop the next one Execute the school’s three-year strategic vision (2025-2028) Continue to nurture the PK-12 experience in the culture of King and use it as a lens to continue to improve recruitment and retention efforts of mission-aligned students, faculty, and staff Continue to work to define and differentiate King School in the competitive independent school market Explore alternative revenue streams and financial models for the long- term sustainability of the school Further develop the school’s athletic program as a differentiator for the schoolCandidate Attributes and Experiences (continued)King’s next Head of School will model the following characteristics: High level of emotional intelligence Motivational Lead ambassador and storyteller Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Community builder Visible Effective and open communicator Dynamic team builder Accessible and grounded Visionary Student-centered educational leader Fundraiser leader Business and financial acumen Knowledgeable about the best practices of PK-12 independent schools Experience with governance of independent schools Understanding of master planning Candidates must have the following qualifications: An advanced degree Experience as a PK-12 independent school leader with a commitment to academic excellence and community Candidate Attributes and Experiences (continued)A letter of interest addressed to the Search Committee explaining their interest in King School A current resume A personal statement detailing their philosophy of education and leadership The names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and affiliations to the candidate of five professional references. References will be contacted after obtaining permission from the candidate. Finalists will be expected to provide additional references.A search is underway to identify the next head of school by June 2026, and the next head will begin their tenure on July 1, 2027. The school has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions (EduDx) to partner with the Search Committee and King School in the search. Please direct all inquiries, applications, and nominations in confidence to Nicole McDermott, Highley Thompson, and Garet Libbey. Candidates should express their interest and begin the application process as soon as possible. It is expected that interested candidates will contact the consultants prior to submitting their application portfolio for additional information. Candidates should submit the following, in this order, in a single PDF:Application ProceduresApplication Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 Interested candidates must have contacted the consultants at least seven days prior to March 27, before submitting their single PDF Candidates will be notified of their status by the end of the day on Sunday, April 19 Semifinalist Stage Semifinalist interviews will be in person Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26 Candidates will be notified of their status by the end of the day on Monday, April 27 Assessment Finalist candidates will be asked to take the EQ-i 2.0 online assessment (at no expense to the candidate) and will need to allow approximately 40 minutes to complete this prior to Wednesday, April 29 Candidates understand that upon completion of the assessment noted above, their assessment reports will be reviewed by the consultants and members of the search committee. Candidates will be offered a 45-minute coaching debriefing session on their EQ-i 2.0 results following their school visits, if they wish Finalist Stage Finalist interviews (on site, 3 days): April 29-May 1; May 3-5; and May 5-8 Finalist candidates should plan to arrive by 1 p.m. on Day 1 and depart approximately 6 p.m. on Day 3. Candidates will spend all of Days 2 and 3 at the school Candidates will be notified of their status by the end of the day on Friday, May 15 The announcement of the next head to the school community by Friday, June 5 The next head begins their tenure at King on July 1, 2027Search Calendar and Details It is King School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. King does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited under federal, state, or local law.
