Head of School

THE NATURE SCHOOL OF CENTRAL INDIANA

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Lead a school where curiosity, community, and the rhythms of the natural world shape learning.

LOCATION: Indianapolis, Indiana

CONTRACT: Full-time, 220 days

SALARY: $90,000 to $95,000

START: October 1 to November 1, 2026; negotiable

PRIORITY DATE: August 20th, 2026

Applications received by the priority review date will receive full consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Nature School of Central Indiana (TNS) seeks a collaborative, strategic, and mission-driven educator to serve as its next Head of School. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Head of School serves as the schools chief executive and provides leadership across academics, people and culture, operations and compliance, financial stewardship, development, and long-term growth.

Opened in 2021, TNS is entering its next phase following renewal of its charter for a 15-year term in 2026. The next Head of School will honor the schools distinctive identity while building the systems, relationships, and practices needed for sustainable excellence. This role calls for a leader who can hold vision and execution together, support educators, maintain high expectations for learner growth, steward resources wisely, and cultivate trust throughout the school community.

ABOUT TNS

TNS is a nonsectarian, nonprofit K-8 public charter school in Indianapolis authorized by Education One at Trine University. Our educational approach is rooted in nature-based learning and informed by Montessori and other nontraditional practices. Learners follow their natural interests as they explore the world around them, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, care for others and community, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Learning is collaborative and experiential, helping young people grow into engaged thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo.

MISSION: Changing the world for the better, one learner at a time.

VISION: We nurture the whole child by fostering a lifelong love of learning, a strong sense of self, a clear understanding of each learners potential, and a deep connection to and care for the natural world.

WHAT THE HEAD OF SCHOOL WILL LEAD

• Academic leadership: Oversee curriculum implementation, assessment and progress monitoring, teacher observation and coaching, and professional learning in partnership with the Assistant Head of School and teaching faculty.
• People and culture: Supervise, support, and evaluate faculty and staff with professionalism, respect, compassion, and clear accountability; convene and lead a collaborative leadership team.
• Operations and compliance: Ensure effective day-to-day operations and timely, accurate reporting to the Indiana Department of Education, Education One, and other regulatory or authorizing bodies.
• Strategy and governance: Partner with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and policy development, and prepare for and participate in regular board meetings.
• Finance and development: Develop the annual budget with the Finance Director and Board Treasurer, make sound resource-allocation decisions, and pursue grants and fundraising opportunities.
• Community leadership: Build trusting relationships with learners, families, staff, and community partners while sustaining a nurturing, inclusive educational environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of classroom experience at the preschool, elementary, or middle-school level.
• An Indiana Administrative license, or capacity and willingness to obtain an Emergency Permit by start date and a permanent administrative license within two years of hire, is required.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead adults, manage complex priorities, communicate clearly, and work productively with a governing board and school community.

Preferred

• Masters degree in Education, Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with learner-centered, inquiry-based, experiential, or nature-based educational approaches preferred. This may include but not limited to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and nature based learning.
• Experience with public-school or charter-school compliance, budgeting, fundraising, or strategic planning.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

Strong candidates will bring a combination of educational leadership, organizational judgment, and relational skill.

COMPENSATION AND TIMING

The salary range is $90,000 to $95,000 for a 220-day annual contract.

The anticipated start date is between October 1 and November 1, 2026, with the exact date negotiable. For the initial partial contract year, salary and contract days will be prorated based on the employee's start date.

Priority application date: August 20th, 2026

Applications received by the priority date will receive full consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

HOW TO APPLY

For full details, please visit https://www.thenatureschoolofcentralindiana.org/we-are-hiring. Please email the following materials to chair@thenatureschoolofcentralindiana.org with the subject line "Head of School Application: [Applicant Name]":

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in TNS and highlighting qualifications and experiences relevant to the position
• Contact information for three professional references

References will not be contacted until the interview stage, and candidates will be notified before any reference is contacted. Application materials will be handled as confidentially as permitted by law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Nature School of Central Indiana is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will strengthen our diverse and inclusive community. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable law.