Primary Lead Guide

Seeking a Lead Primary Guide in Sunny Santa Barbara!

Stunning Campus, Stellar Benefits, Strong Community

South Coast Montessori in Santa Barbara is hiring an AMI-trained Primary Lead Guide for 2026–2027. Work on a park-like campus five minutes from the mountains and the beach!

Excellent salary, free tuition for your children, relocation + housing assistance…and more!

Apply today and help children grow in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

South Coast Montessori seeks a Montessori-trained Primary Guide to lead our Primary classroom beginning in August 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant, mission-driven school community on a lovely 9-acre campus in Southern California.

We offer beautifully and thoughtfully prepared indoor and outdoor environments that inspire curiosity, independence, and joyful learning. At South Coast Montessori, you’ll be supported by a collaborative team, strong administrative leadership, and a community deeply committed to authentic Montessori pedagogy.

• AMI Primary Diploma (or in progress)
• Strong understanding and passion for Montessori education for children ages 3–6
• Dedication to professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ability to build supportive, positive relationships with students and families

• Competitive salary: $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience
• Full-time, exempt position
• Extensive professional development and Montessori training opportunities
• Free tuition for employees’ children
• Generous relocation assistance to support your relocation to the area
• Housing stipend available for first three months
• Health care, paid time off, and retirement plan with employer matching (403b)

• The ocean and mountains are both just minutes away
• You enjoy 300+ days of sunshine a year
• The community values wellness, sustainability, the arts, and education
• Outdoor adventures — from surfing to hiking to weekend wine country trips — are part of daily life

Santa Barbara offers a rare blend of small-town community warmth and world-class cultural experiences. It’s a beautiful place to live, grow your career, and raise a family.

Join us in shaping independent, joyful learners all while enjoying a life in one of the most desirable coastal communities in the world.

Learn more: southcoastmontessori.org

To Apply:

Please use "Quick Apply" on this site or send a resume and brief cover letter to Brian Cogswell, Head of School, South Coast Montessori. Email: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).