High School Principal (2025-2026)

Achievers Early College Prep•Trenton, NJ

About The Position

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey’s first public charter school for students in middle school and high school that provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue one of four STEAM pathways (Health Sciences, Digital Media, Audio Engineering and Cisco Computer Networking). Students can have access to a program that allows them to earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials and workplace training. AECP is determined to ensure that students can enhance their journey through high school and graduate with content mastery, skills, and experiences that are essential to the current marketplace and the world beyond. We seek to build a high-performing High School and will need a leader that 100% commits themselves to the mission, and demonstrates our core values, while leading in an urgent and exciting way in order to improve student achievement. Our goal is for the High School Principal to be an inspiring leader that demonstrates excellence in all aspects of the work from being a role-model for students to taking on the big and small challenges that will make the largest impact on the school community. As a leader, there should be a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, while building the investment and shared school culture of highly effective teams. Furthermore, this leader should bring joy, be humble, and be open to feedback and nurturing to the needs of all they are leading. This leader is also confident and assured that they have the mentorship and support of their evaluator, the Executive Director. In summary, below are some of the expectations of role:

Requirements

Minimum of 3 Years Experience Required as a Principal
5 years teaching and working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably in low-income schools and/or communities.
A Bachelor's degree
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Proficiency using school-based software applications, Google Suite and computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written skills
Ability to travel (for programming, residency and development opportunities)

Nice To Haves

Experience as an Assistant Principal, Dean or equivalent leadership role highly preferred
Experience at a high-performing charter school is highly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college
Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision
Lead all aspects of Data-Driven Instruction (DDI), Leading Professional Development (PD) and Observation & Feedback (OF)
Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions; curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards
Oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment, evaluation, retention, and dismissal and hold primary responsibility for professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and program decisions
Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement
Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after school tutoring
Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Special Education Coordinator.
In partnership with Leadership Team, responsible for overall campus stability and cohesiveness.
Build a demonstrated joyful and rigorous school culture
Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained
Support staff to ensure the effectiveness of after school enrichment programs
Support staff to ensure a positive, safe and structured culture of high expectations
Communicate regularly with families, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s performance and correspond about school policies, trips, and events
Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively