Mission Hill School is a democratically-run school directed by principal Ayla Gavins. It was founded in 1997 by Deborah Meier, who retired from her position as co-principal, but remains on the staff as Director of New Ventures. Its core faculty–responsible for all major curriculum, staffing, and scheduling decisions–consists of one administrator, one administrative assistant and 11 classroom teachers. All staff are involved in weekly meetings to make and review decisions together.

The School's Governing Board meets quarterly and its task is to insure that the school's mission is in safe hands. It consists of five parents, five staff members, five community members, three eighth graders and two seventh graders, plus one alternate. The board's functions include:

    * Evaluating the school's leadership

    * Selection of the school's principal

    * Approving the annual staffing and budget plan presented by the staff

    * Assisting in the development of long range assessment tools for the school and its graduates

The Family Council consists of every parent, guardian, and family member with a child in the school. They meet every month and generally provide dinner and childcare. Here is a partial list of activities that take place at meetings.

    * Share information and discuss timely issues

    * Coordinate parent volunteer opportunities

    * Arrange school events and fundraisers.

    * Support orientation for new parents