Help start a school from the first day
We're building a founding team now. Roles open for hire in 2027; until then, we're getting to know educators who want to help start something good. Express interest and we'll be in touch as roles open.
Built so teachers can do their best work
Pay will be competitive with local independent schools.
- Two qualified teachers in every room, with classes of 22–25.
- No grading, test prep or homework to manage.
- Protected planning time every day, plus a weekly team block.
- A paid summer institute and about $2,500 a year for professional development.
- An apprenticeship ladder: you support a grade before you lead it.
- Teaching in the real world — forest, garden and fieldwork — every day.
Who we’ll be hiring, and when
These are expected timelines, not open positions. Every role depends on the school opening as planned.
| Role | Type | Expected hiring |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Head of School | Full-time | First hire, 2027 |
| Founding lead teachers, K–5 | Full-time | Winter 2027–28 |
| Support teachers | Full-time | Spring 2028 |
| Specialists: art studio, music, outdoor and movement | Part-time | Spring 2028 |
| Operations coordinator | Full-time | Spring 2028 |
| Kitchen and extended-care staff | Full- and part-time | Summer 2028 |
Belief first, and skill too
Adults who believe children are capable, hold a room with warmth and authority, teach skills explicitly, are at home outdoors in any weather, write well, welcome critique, and stay curious in public.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree.
- NC teaching licensure, or equivalent classroom experience.
- For K–2 roles, structured-literacy training — or willingness to complete it.
- Current pediatric first aid and CPR.
- A clean background check.
Five commitments to every child
Every Applefarm teacher makes five commitments to each child.
- 1
Safe and known.
Every child is physically and emotionally safe, and known by name, strengths and story.
- 2
Curious and confident.
We protect wonder and build the courage to try, share unfinished work, and make it better.
- 3
Playful and engaged.
Play is serious work. We design days children want to be part of.
- 4
Capable and skilled.
Every child learns to read fluently, reason mathematically, and do work they’re proud of.
- 5
Partners with families.
We share what we see, listen to what families know, and keep the door open.
Tell us about yourself
This isn’t an application. It tells us you’d like to hear when roles open, and helps us plan the founding team.
We use this information only for hiring at The Applefarm. See our privacy policy.
Thank you — we’ve got it.
We’ll be in touch as founding roles open in 2027. In the meantime, feel free to write to info@applefarmschool.com.
The Applefarm is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome educators of every background and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.