Riley School Opportunity Statement

Having celebrated its 50-year anniversary in May 2023, Riley School in midcoast Maine is preparing for a transition in leadership and seeks a new Head to start July 1, 2024. Located on 21 acres overlooking Glen Cove in Rockport, Riley has remained true to its roots as a small, progressive school in which children actively engage in their own learning. Its second Head, Becky Clapp, will be retiring after shepherding the school for eleven years, from the passing of founder Glenna Plaisted through Covid and the 50th anniversary celebration. The school is poised for a bright future.

Certified through the 9th grade, Riley has a toddler program called Wade Acres for children from two- to four-year-olds; a Lower School of four- to seven-year-olds; and Middle and Upper Schools for eight- to fifteen-year-olds. Multi-age, hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning is central to Riley School’s program.

THE PROGRAM AND CAMPUS

Riley children come from 12 communities, with the bulk of them from Rockland, Thomaston, Rockport, and Camden. Enrollment has ranged between 50 - 65 in the recent past. While the school is ungraded, the transition to Lower School tends to happen at around age five, to Middle School at age seven, and to Upper School (essentially corresponding to grades 6-8) at age eleven. Although children exit Riley at various grades depending on each family’s goals, those who stay through grade eight are considered graduates, and all of the recent graduates have achieved honor roll status in their secondary schools.

At Riley, children are the central focus and participate in determining their curricular choices. In an environment where ground rules are courtesy, laughter, and genuine, meaningful engagement, the joy in learning is paramount. Choices, trust, and mutual respect are key ingredients in nurturing a child's natural love of learning. Hands-on learning and an emphasis on the arts promote critical thinking and creative problem solving, preparing graduates for success in secondary school and beyond.

Riley’s next Head will inherit facilitators (faculty members) enthusiastic about Riley’s emphasis on the whole child and on the importance of relationships and social-emotional growth for learning.  There are ten full-time and two part-time facilitators. The leadership team currently consists of the Head, two facilitators, and the Office Manager. Each facilitator has the autonomy, flexibility and support to deliver the child-centered program that Riley emphasizes.

In recent surveys of parents, Riley received strong positives for challenging children to develop their creativity and for meeting their unique creative, emotional, and physical capabilities. The quality of relationships and the distinctiveness of the campus and how it encourages responsibility for the natural world were among other attributes identified as strong positives.

A half mile from Route 1, the picturesque campus includes four main multi-purpose buildings: a Library and classroom building, a performing arts space, the “Maine” building with several classrooms and two studios, and an early childhood center with both indoor and outdoor classrooms. In addition, there are woods, fields, a greenhouse and gardens, and a pond enclosed by a fence for goats and ducks. Other attributes include a chicken coop, goat shed, a makerspace, and a solar array owned by the school. The buildings all have easy access to the out-of-doors, which is a key component of daily exploration and learning. The campus and its multi-purpose theater space present opportunities for ancillary income. The school has recently achieved balanced budgets and carries a mortgage of $275,000. Riley maintains membership in AISNE and NEASC. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Riley’s next Head will find an academic and social-emotional program that is meeting the school’s mission well. The key challenges relate to enrollment and messaging, advancement, and potential development of alternate revenue sources.

The next Head will be able to articulate compellingly the value of Riley’s specific progressive education approach and will build bridges within and beyond the Riley community, acting as a visible, engaged advocate. The Head will understand the importance of support for the facilitators’ individualized approach and will champion continuing growth in program development.

Given the nature of small schools, the Head has functioned as the Business Manager, Admissions Director, and lead Development person. The next Head will bring a comfort level in these areas, with particular confidence in Advancement. The Head manages hiring and retention of facilitators and communication with parents. The Head reports to the Board of Trustees, working with the Board on budgeting, development initiatives, facilities, and strategic planning. The Board is enthusiastic about developing the next plan, and the NEASC re-accreditation process that is scheduled to begin in 2024 will help catalyze this process.

Riley seeks a Head who is a collaborative decision maker, able to listen, clarify issues, make decisions, provide direction, manage projects, and who exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills. In this small school environment, valuing direct connection with children will be essential, as will an appreciation for different learning styles. In addition, the ability to be flexible and unflappable while enjoying some degree of creative chaos will be ideal.

Candidates should send a letter of interest, a resume, a statement of educational philosophy, and a list of three references to search@rileyschool.org. The deadline for expressions of interest is October 1, 2023. Chris Williamson will be consulting with the Search Committee and will respond to your interest. Riley School is an equal opportunity employer.