Head of School
Search being conducted by 12M & Ed Tech Recruiting
$275,000 - $325,000
Job Description
HEAD OF SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY
Stanbridge Academy, a fully accredited K-12 independent school in San Mateo, California that serves students with a range of neurodivergent learning profiles, seeks a head of school to start July 1, 2027.
SUMMARY
Students with learning differences do not simply need accommodation—they need an educational environment intentionally designed around how they learn best. Students with learning differences can achieve just as much as their neurotypical peers; they simply require a different path. Stanbridge Academy was founded on this belief: that when a school is purposefully structured around the needs of its students, those students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. At Stanbridge, this mission is not aspirational—it is lived daily.
Founded in 1982 by speech therapist and parent Andi Jobe, the school was created to meet the needs of students who were not being served in traditional educational settings. Today, Stanbridge is a fully accredited K–12 independent school in San Mateo, California, serving approximately 85 students. Through expert faculty, curated instructional approaches, and deeply personal student relationships, Stanbridge fosters an environment where neurodivergent learners can flourish. As the only school of its kind in the Bay Area—and now with both K–12 Non-Public School (NPS) certification and an A–G compliant high school program—Stanbridge serves a diverse student body from throughout the Bay Area.
Now, Stanbridge seeks its next Head of School: a gracious and strategic leader to guide the institution into its next chapter. With a gifted staff, a compelling mission, and newly expanded certifications, the school is poised for increased visibility and thoughtful growth. The next Head of School will serve as both visionary and steward—strengthening community relationships, expanding Stanbridge’s impact on neurodivergent education, elevating faculty excellence, and safeguarding the school’s deeply nurturing culture and mission alignment.
For a leader passionate about advancing an empowering educational model for neurodivergent learners, Stanbridge offers a rare opportunity: to lead a truly exceptional school at the forefront of specialized education.
12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is running the search on behalf of Stanbridge Academy. Applications received by August 2 will receive priority review. (Applications received by August 17 will receive full consideration, but submission by the priority deadline is encouraged.) For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:
www.12MRecruiting.com/jobs/Stanbridge
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Location: San Mateo, CA
Priority Review Deadline: August 2, 2026
Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
Early Candidate Review: August
Quarterfinal Round (tentative): Late August to Early September
Semifinal Round (tentative): Mid-September to Early October
Final Round (tentative): Mid-October to Early November
Decision Announced: November 30, 2026
Start Date: July 1, 2027
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Salary Range: $275,000–$325,000
KEY PRIORITIES
Vision, Strategy, & Sustainable Growth
The next head of school will play a key role in guiding this work, helping the community thoughtfully articulate a clear vision for the future while ensuring that strategic growth remains grounded in mission, programmatic coherence, and student success.
Community Engagement, Visibility, & Strategic Partnerships
The next head of school will be empowered to increase strategic outreach and professional partnerships that elevate awareness of the school’s specialized expertise, strengthen enrollment pipelines, and reinforce Stanbridge’s role as a leader in specialized education.
Advancement, Fundraising, & Philanthropic Engagement
Stanbridge seeks a head of school that is able and eager to partner with the board and foster a culture of philanthropy that inspires meaningful engagement among families, alumni, faculty, and the broader school community.
Organizational Growth, Leadership Capacity, & Faculty Sustainability
As the school evolves, there is an opportunity to further enhance organizational effectiveness, leadership capacity, and operational sustainability while preserving the close-knit, mission-driven culture that distinguishes the community.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Stanbridge invites candidates that have...
- A proven track-record of successful leadership tenures in K-12 education
- Experience overseeing school teams in charge of academic, operational, and external affairs
- A deep commitment to the unique needs of neurodivergent learners and the educators that support them on a daily basis
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills
- Experience partnering with boards, families, and community/government organizations.
Stanbridge is seeking...
- A student-centered and mission-driven leader dedicated to advancing neurodivergent education within an independent, non-public-school (NPS) setting
- A visionary and systems-oriented leader committed to continuous improvement and institutional sustainability
- A relationship-oriented communicator who can build and sustain external partnerships that support enrollment, philanthropy, and institutional visibility within the surrounding community
- An empathetic, accountable, and adaptable professional with sound judgment and a steady presence
- An innovative and forward-thinking leader with the ability to guide organizational growth and long-term strategic planning
TO APPLY
For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.
Opportunity Statement
Coming Soon!
Stanbridge Academy will be hiring for its next head of school, to start July 1, 2027. Located in San Mateo, CA, Stanbridge is a caring, inclusive K-12 school for students with mild to moderate learning differences and social communication disorders. Stanbridge uses an individualized, whole student approach so that students thrive and develop their academic, social, and emotional capabilities to their fullest potential. While the school’s core focus is its academic program, the philosophy at Stanbridge is to provide a whole school experience and community for each student at every grade level.
Tentative Schedule
Discovery phase and early inquiries: April and May, 2026
Application window: June and July, 2026
Early candidate review and assessment: August and September, 2026
Later rounds and final round: October and November, 2026
Decision announced: December, 2026
Start date: July 1, 2027
How to apply
12M & Ed Tech Recruiting is the exclusive search partner for Stanbridge. A full opportunity statement will be posted around early June. For more information:
https://www.12mrecruiting.com/jobs/Stanbridge
To make an early expression of interest or nominate someone, please reach out to: projectteamstanbridge@12MRecruiting.com