Founding Principal 2026-2027

AMS Schools•Town of Palatine, NY

About The Position

We're excited to provide the best education in the best environment to our students! Position Overview Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is seeking a Founding Principal to lead the launch of AMS Las Vegas. This role offers a unique opportunity to establish a high-performing public charter school from the ground up, serving students and families in underserved communities. The Founding Principal will be responsible for setting the instructional vision, building school culture, and leading all aspects of school development in partnership with AMS network leadership. This position requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, and community-centered leader with a strong track record in instructional leadership, staff development, and student achievement. Join us to enjoy rewarding challenges and ongoing opportunities! AMS Schools are among the highest performing Title I schools in Arizona. We seek highly motivated and passionate staff who want to make a difference. The professionals we hire are the most intelligent and the most talented experts in their fields. By joining our team you will plan an integral part in helping at-risk students achieve great things, be a part of a genuine community, and be able to grow as professional through our employee development program. Come help us provide our students with the best education in the best environment.

Requirements

Demonstrated success in school-site leadership roles (Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, Director, or comparable leadership position)
Strong instructional leadership background with experience improving student outcomes in underserved or at-risk communities
Proven ability to lead adults, manage teams, and build effective school systems
Experience using student achievement data to inform instructional and operational decisions
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred)

Nice To Haves

Experience launching a new school, program, or major initiative
Experience with charter school authorization processes or charter management organizations
Bilingual in Spanish with the ability to engage diverse student populations
Experience serving Title I and/or English Language Learner (ELL) populations
Holds or is eligible to obtain a Nevada Administrator/Principal License

Responsibilities

Collaborate with AMS leadership to develop and implement a clear instructional and operational vision aligned with AMS’s mission and academic model
Contribute to the charter application process, including academic programming, governance, and operational planning
Support school site selection and facility design to ensure alignment with instructional and student needs
Implement rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and instructional practices to drive high levels of student achievement
Establish systems for data-driven instruction, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement
Lead the development of a strong school culture grounded in high expectations, accountability, and student support
Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop high-quality instructional and operational staff
Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to build teacher capacity and leadership pipelines
Foster a collaborative, results-oriented staff culture
Build strong relationships with families, community organizations, and local stakeholders
Serve as the public-facing leader of AMS Las Vegas, representing the school within the community
Establish family engagement systems that support student success and school sustainability