2026-2027 Principal

ZEST Preparatory Academy•Douglasville, GA

3d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Principal serves as the chief instructional, operational, and cultural leader of ZEST Preparatory Academy. This role is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the school, ensuring a safe, joyful, and academically rigorous learning environment in which all students thrive. The Principal leads and oversees all aspects of school-based operations, instruction, and culture, including curriculum implementation, instructional quality, professional development, staff supervision, student achievement, family engagement, and compliance with state, federal, and charter requirements. Working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations, the Principal ensures alignment to ZEST Preparatory Academy’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Principal establishes a strong, values-driven school culture grounded in high expectations, accountability, and care for students and staff. This leader is highly visible throughout the school day, actively coaching teachers, supporting students, engaging families, and modeling the leadership habits ZEST seeks to instill in its students. Through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership, the Principal ensures continuous improvement in academic outcomes, operational effectiveness, and community trust, positioning ZEST Preparatory Academy for long-term success and sustainability.

Requirements

A Master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university
Georgia Educator Certificate
Georgia Leadership Certification or willing to obtain within two years of employment
Five years experience in school or education leadership required
Ten plus years of broad education and professional experience
Experience in leadership in a Local Education Agency.
Knowledge of Georgia public school funding and data reporting requirements
Experience implementing charter school flexibility
Current authorization to work in the United States
Clear Criminal Background Check
Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills
Meticulous attention to detail, precision, and accuracy
Knowledge of strategies for organization, management, and adult supervision
Knowledge of law, policies, and regulations pertaining to youth and employee records
Strong communication skills
Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership
Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

Nice To Haves

Charter school experience desirable

Responsibilities

Direct the implementation of the school’s instructional vision inclusive of curriculum development, instructional practices, professional development, assessment, and evaluations
Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure student growth and mastery in all content areas
Maintain deep knowledge of the Science of Reading, and language and literacy development
Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture within the school community
Ensure positive student growth outcomes based upon required Georgia assessments and internal assessments such as NWEA MAP
Conduct classroom observations
Supports faculty and staff in achievement of academic and organizational goals
Ensures that frameworks and processes are in place for cycles of operational progress monitoring, strategic planning and annual goal setting
Working knowledge of the Georgia State Charter Schools Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Framework (CPF) specifically with regard to student achievement and growth
Creates and follows policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all State, Federal and Charter laws; reports any concerns to Executive Director
Holds faculty and staff accountable to academic and organizational goals.
Manages all teachers and school based staff
Supports, leads, and monitors school operations and compliance including, but not limited to:
Supports the School Operations team in leading school operations
Data and operations reporting to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, GaDOE, SCSC, and Federal Government
Maintenance of all records, documents, and files for reporting to the Executive Director, Board, GaDOE, SCSC and Federal Government
Assist in maintaining the integrity and success of ZEST Preparatory Academy
Ensures effective communication and community involvement including, but not limited to:
Development of explicit shared vision of the school that incorporates the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders
Design and implementation of a robust parent and community involvement plan that supports students’ success and the needs of the school community
Effective communication between school and home as well as between school and community
Holding teachers accountable for effective and regular communication with parents and students
Leads educational programming, including, but not limited to:
Strategic initiatives of the school
Instruction aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence
Ensure MTSS compliance for grades K-5
Ensure ESOL compliance for grades K-5
Works closely with the Associate Director of Specialized Services to ensure appropriate programming and compliance
Early Intervention Program
Gifted Programming
Coordinates with the Senior Director of Operations to maintain vendor relationships including, but not limited to, supplies, facilities, food services, transportation, etc.
Coordinate with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations on the purchase order, procurement
Oversees student records, including maintenance and tracking of attendance, grades, enrollment, and retention
Support planning, preparation, and administration for standardized tests
Hires school-based staff with support to ensure effective hiring and full state compliance
Manage systems and processes to support recruitment and enrollment and collaborate with Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations to oversee recruitment of new students and ensure school meets all enrollment goals
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director
Open the school building daily and ensure the school is fully prepared for instruction, student arrival, and staff readiness, including supervision of morning routines and operational readiness.
Demonstrate visible leadership throughout the school day by maintaining a strong presence in classrooms, hallways, arrival and dismissal, and during student transitions.
Model and reinforce a positive school culture grounded in ZEST’s values, high expectations, respect, and accountability for both students and staff.
Plan, coordinate, and execute school-wide events (e.g., family engagement events, academic celebrations, leadership activities, and community gatherings) in collaboration with staff, Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations.
Support and uphold the work of the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Senior Director of Operations, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Lead by example in professionalism, collaboration, and ethical conduct, fostering trust and credibility within the school community.
Participate actively on the School Leadership Team, contributing to data reviews, strategic planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
Engage families and community partners by attending school events, hosting meetings, and serving as a primary point of contact for school-based concerns.
Attend and support after-school activities and school events, recognizing their role in strengthening student engagement and community connection.
Ensure safe, orderly, and efficient daily operations, including student arrival, dismissal, and supervision of common areas.
Respond promptly and effectively to student, staff, and family needs, demonstrating a solutions-oriented approach.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director in support of school operations and long-term sustainability.