Cascadia School
Location: Vancouver, WA
Description
Lead a Thriving Montessori Community in the Pacific Northwest
Cascadia School seeks an inspiring, relationship-centered leader to serve as its next Head of School. This is a unique opportunity to guide a well-established Montessori community that has served children and families in Southwest Washington for more than 30 years.
Located in Vancouver, Washington, Cascadia combines the warmth of a close-knit independent school community with the professional, cultural, and outdoor opportunities of one of the nation’s most desirable regions. The next Head of School will join a school with a strong mission, dedicated staff, engaged families, and a clear commitment to authentic Montessori education.
About Cascadia School
Founded in 1994, Cascadia School is an independent Montessori school serving students in grades 1–8. The school’s mission is to encourage the inherent love of learning and guide the development of the whole child, preparing students to become responsible, contributing members of their local and global communities.
Cascadia is known for:
A deeply authentic Montessori approach grounded in respect for the child.
Multi-age classrooms that foster independence, collaboration, leadership, and self-discipline.
A strong emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic excellence.
An engaged and supportive parent community.
A culture that values curiosity, compassion, critical thinking, citizenship, and stewardship of the natural world.
The school operates as a nonprofit organization governed by an active Board of Directors composed of parents, alumni parents, and community members.
Why Cascadia?
At Cascadia, students are encouraged to become independent thinkers, collaborative problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. The school’s Montessori philosophy emphasizes individualized learning, purposeful work, freedom with responsibility, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
Faculty members are well trained and deeply committed to Montessori education. Families describe Cascadia as a welcoming community where children are known, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Community feedback consistently highlights the school’s strong culture, dedicated educators, and transformative educational experience.
Why Vancouver, Washington?
Nestled between the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains, Vancouver offers an exceptional quality of life that continues to attract families and professionals from across the country.
A Place to Thrive
Residents enjoy:
Access to world-class outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping.
Proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and the Pacific Coast.
A vibrant downtown waterfront with restaurants, parks, and community events.
A family-friendly atmosphere with strong neighborhoods and excellent recreational opportunities.
Easy access to Portland International Airport and the cultural amenities of the greater Portland metropolitan area.
The Best of Both Worlds
Vancouver combines the advantages of a growing metropolitan region with the livability of a smaller community. Washington residents benefit from no state income tax, while remaining connected to the educational, cultural, and professional opportunities throughout the Portland-Vancouver region.
For educational leaders seeking both professional fulfillment and an exceptional lifestyle, Vancouver offers a compelling combination of community, opportunity, and natural beauty.
The Opportunity
We seek someone who wants to partner with our healthy and vibrant community to:
Continue fostering the community at the center of who we are.
Build upon Cascadia’s strong Montessori foundation and respected reputation.
Develop enrollment channels, community engagement, and philanthropic support.
Partner with, inspire, and develop talented staff.
Guide strategic planning and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
This role is ideal for a visionary leader who values authentic Montessori education, collaborative leadership, and community building.Montessori Certification: Must hold a current, formal Montessori teaching credential (Primary/Early Childhood level) from a MACTE-accredited institution (such as AMS, AMI, or equivalent).
Desired Qualities and Qualifications
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
A deep appreciation for Montessori philosophy and child-centered education, ideally with at least 5 years of experience in a Montessori setting
Successful leadership experience demonstrating a flexible and open style in an independent school or mission-driven educational setting, ideally with at least 5 years of successful experience
The ability to inspire trust, confidence, and shared purpose among our committed community, including students, families, and staff; and defining and executing with us a long-term strategic vision
Excellent communication skills in multiple formats
Alignment with our community’s mission and values
Experience honoring diverse learning and social styles of student and staff populations
Successful experience managing the non-academic operations of a school
A commitment to faculty development and community engagement
A growth mindset and interest in ongoing learning about Montessori education and other areas of benefit to your professional development
Experience fundraising in a non-profit context
If you don’t yet bear all these qualifications, please consider how your current skills and abilities demonstrate your capacity to grow into them.
Join a Community That Believes in Children
For more than three decades, Cascadia School has inspired students to become confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens. The next Head of School will have the opportunity to lead a thriving Montessori community while enjoying an extraordinary quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. Together with dedicated educators, supportive families, and an engaged Board, the next leader will help shape the future of one of Southwest Washington’s most respected Montessori schools.
To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to searchcommittee@cascadiaschool.org. Along with these, please visit our website www.cascadiaschool.org and find one thing that makes a connection with you about who we are. Write us a page, more or less, about why you connect with that in particular.
Please combine all 3 documents into one doc or PDF file named “Lastname Firstname”. This will help us keep everything organized. Thanks!
Also, please note: we recognize the inevitability of AI’s involvement in the modern application process. In fact, AI helped us write portions of this posting. That said, we are looking for a leader who can connect with us. We hope you will take the time to reflect that in your communication to us, as we have done as well.
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