Arbor Announces Next Head of School

Dear Arbor Community,

We are delighted to share that the Board of Trustees has appointed Joseph Wood as Arbor Montessori School’s next Head of School, with a start date of July 1, 2026.

This decision follows many months of thoughtful work by the Search Committee and Board, grounded in community input, candidate interviews, finalist visits, and Board deliberation. Throughout the process, we worked to listen carefully to the community and discern the leadership that will best support Arbor’s mission, uphold the integrity of its Montessori foundation, and guide the school into its next chapter with care and purpose.

Joseph brings significant school leadership experience, a clear commitment to Montessori education, and strengths in communication, operations, and community engagement. Throughout the process, he demonstrated deep respect for Arbor’s distinctive culture, a strong appreciation for authentic Montessori practice, and an understanding that the work of Head of School is to support the conditions in which children, guides, and the whole community can thrive.

We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Alison for her leadership and care during this interim year. Steady leadership during times of transition matters deeply, and we are grateful for all she has carried on behalf of the school and community.

We are excited to welcome Joseph to Arbor and look forward to sharing opportunities for the community to meet him in the coming weeks.

Thank you to everyone who engaged in this process with such care, thoughtfulness, and commitment to Arbor. We are deeply grateful for the time, reflection, and trust this community has brought to an important moment in the life of the school.

With appreciation,

Amanda Evans and Lilly Klehr
Head of School Search Committee Co-Chairs

Dear Arbor Community,

I am honored to be joining your wonderful school beginning July 1, 2026. Thank you to the Search Committee and Board for the trust you have placed in me.

I want to begin by saying clearly that I have deep respect for the leadership already in place at Arbor. I am looking forward to working alongside the program coordinators and the wider leadership team. I left my visit deeply impressed and eager to immerse myself in Arbor’s culture and community.

I also want to offer sincere thanks to Alison for her leadership as Interim Head of School this year. Steady interim leadership matters more than most people realize, and I am grateful for the foundation she has maintained for the school and for this transition.

What makes Arbor stand out is the authenticity of the AMI work. I believe that is central to the school’s identity and a major reason it has earned the reputation it has. I am committed to protecting the pedagogy and preserving the integrity of Maria Montessori’s work.

During my visit, I felt the kind of warmth and purpose that cannot be manufactured. It came through in conversations with students, alumni, guides, parents, staff, and trustees. Arbor is a gem, and Atlanta is lucky to have it. I am grateful for the opportunity to help steward what you have built.

When I arrive in July, my focus will be on relationship-building. I look forward to getting to know the community and to building trust through steady, consistent work.

Respectfully,

Joseph Wood