Head of School
Please download the opportunity statement, which contains information about Stanbridge Academy and the position, as well as required application materials to prepare in advance. All applications must be submitted online. Please review the How to Apply section below for further application instructions.
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.
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
We invite you to watch our conversation with Kinga Czégeni, Board Chair and Current Parent; Rich Sutton, Trustee and Alumni Parent; and Greg Waldorf, Stanbridge Parent. Kinga, Rich, and Greg talk about the transformative impact that Stanbridge has had on so many students and families, and what they look forward to most in the next chapter of the school.
We invite you to watch our conversation with Kinga Czégeni, Board Chair and Current Parent; Rich Sutton, Trustee and Alumni Parent; and Greg Waldorf, Stanbridge Parent. Kinga, Rich, and Greg talk about the transformative impact that Stanbridge has had on so many students and families, and what they look forward to most in the next chapter of the school.
How to Apply
- If you have not done so already, download the opportunity statement.
- Prepare your application materials, which are described on the last page of the opportunity statement.
- Click on Apply Now, which will take you to our application portal, where all applications will be processed.
- Follow the instructions on that application portal to upload your documents.
- Applications received by August 17 will receive full consideration, but submission by the priority deadline (August 2) is encouraged.