Head of School

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

 

About Fractal Education

Fractal Education Group builds and operates distinctive early education schools designed to inspire children, families, and communities. Through our Destination Schools, we evolve independent-branded schools into experiential learning destinations —places families seek out for their values, environments, and programs, not just proximity, to become the local’s favorites and leaders in their respective submarkets.

Destination Schools often incorporate Fractal Nature Learning, a high-touch, outdoor and experiential learning model co-developed with leaders in garden-based education. These schools are designed to grow demand, deepen engagement, and support thoughtful tuition growth through differentiated experiences.

Head of School Role

The Head of School is the chief leader, culture carrier, and on-site ambassador of a Destination School.

This role blends operational excellence with market-facing leadership . The Head of School is expected to be a builder: nurturing the school’s identity, growing community excitement, and executing a distinctive educational vision—while operating within Fractal’s professional systems and financial guardrails to deliver accountability for standards, systems, and staff.

The Head of School directly manages the Program Coordinator and Department Heads and partners closely with the Area Director to shape the school’s future.

Head of School Responsibilities

Vision & Program Leadership

• Lead the execution of the school’s experiential and nature-based learning model
• Bring Fractal Nature Learning principles to life on campus
• Champion the school’s identity, values, and educational philosophy

Market Presence & Growth

• Serve as the public face of the school in the community
• Support enrollment growth through tours, events, and storytelling
• Build partnerships that extend the school’s reach beyond its immediate neighborhood

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit and develop educators aligned with experiential and child-centered learning
• Inspire teachers to grow professionally and creatively
• Set high expectations and accountability for licensing and accreditation standards, engagement, and collaboration

Family Engagement

• Cultivate deep, trust-based relationships with families
• Create a strong parent community connected to the school’s mission
• Lead clear, values-driven communication

Operational & Financial Stewardship

• Manage day-to-day operations within approved budgets
• Manage operational and tuition management systems
• Balance creativity with discipline around staffing, schedules, and costs
• Partner with shared services and Portfolio Management for reporting and planning

Collaboration & Innovation

• Work closely with Fractal Education on program evolution and long-term positioning
• Participate in piloting new initiatives, spaces, and learning experiences
• Provide feedback to continuously improve the Destination School model

Requirements:

 

Head of School Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of leadership experience in early education, progressive education, or founder-led school environments
• Strong growth and builder mindset
• Demonstrated ability to build enrollment demand and community engagement
• Operations management capability with team building and accountability for standards 
• Experience with experiential, nature-based, or interest-driven education strongly preferred
• Background in tuition management systems, Microsoft Office, and Google suite 
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills
• Comfort balancing creativity with operational discipline
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Education or related field preferred

Compensation

• Up to $80k annual salary plus incentives based on experience and site selection
• Health care insurance & benefits offered with company contribution
• Paid vacation, company holidays, and additional earned leave offered
• Professional development, offsite training, and mentorship with Head of School cohort 
• Growth potential into multi-site and specialized roles