Principal

DC SCHOLARS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL•Washington, DC

10h•$125,000 - $155,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary, systems-driven leader to guide DC Scholars from strong academic growth to consistently high student achievement, anchoring our next chapter in rigorous instruction, equity, and joyful learning. About DC Scholars PCS DC Scholars Public Charter School serves approximately 500 PreK-8 scholars in Washington, DC, supported by a dedicated instructional team of approximately 100 teachers and leaders. In SY24-25, the percentage of students scoring 4+ on DC CAPE rose 13 points in math – compared to just 3.3% citywide, and the percentage of students scoring 4+ rose 9 points in ELA – compared to only 2.9% citywide. As we build on this momentum, our next chapter is focused on ensuring more students reach and exceed grade-level benchmarks. We are committed to increasing the percentage of students on or above grade level by approximately 8% in SY26–27, through excellent Tier 1 instruction, targeted supports, and a culture grounded in our PATH values: Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, and Hardworking. Role Summary The Principal is the cultural and strategic leader of DC Scholars PCS, serving as the primary driver of academic achievement and the overall student experience for a PreK–8 campus. The Principal inspires staff, scholars, and families to bring the school’s mission to life: DC Scholars develops life-long scholars with the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing world. The Principal leads a dynamic PreK–8 school to ensure strong outcomes for all scholars, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and those furthest from opportunity. In SY26–27, the Principal will manage a high-impact instructional leadership team—including the Assistant Principal of School Culture and Family Engagement; Assistant Principal of K–2 ELA and Math; Assistant Principal of ELA 3rd–8th; Assistant Principal of Math 3rd–8th; Assistant Principal of ECE and Specials; and Assistant Principal of Special Education—to drive academic growth, family engagement, and a positive student and staff culture. This role reports to the Chief Academic and Operations Officer (CAOO) and serves as a key implementation leader of the DC Scholars Strategic Plan. The Principal partners closely with the Associate Director of Operations, Business Manager, and other school leaders to ensure alignment across academics, operations, and culture. Success in This Role Looks Like By the end of SY26–27 academic year, a successful Principal will have: Achieved or exceeded schoolwide academic goals in ELA and Math, with measurable growth for all grades and narrowed achievement gaps for students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and historically marginalized groups. Increased teacher effectiveness (10-20 percentage point increase in teachers rated effective or higher in Essential Content and instructional delivery), as measured by observation ratings, coaching data, and student performance. Reduced chronic absenteeism by approximately 6% and improved schoolwide student culture indicators (e.g., reduced suspensions/major referrals and improved student and family survey results). Built and managed a strong leadership team that can own and execute critical school systems with minimal support, creating a sustainable leadership pipeline. Improved family satisfaction and reenrollment rates by at least 4 percentage points, with strong results across key subgroups. Met or exceeded staff Insight Survey staff satisfaction targets and strengthened staff culture, retention, and perceptions of leadership effectiveness.

Requirements

At least four years of successful teaching experience, with a proven record of raising student achievement.
At least three years of school-based leadership experience (e.g., Principal, AP, Dean, Instructional Coach), preferably in an urban public or charter school setting.
Demonstrated success leading teams to meet ambitious academic and culture goals.
Experience using data to drive instructional and culture decisions and to monitor progress toward goals.
Familiarity with DC assessments, accountability systems, and charter school context (or a strong willingness to learn quickly).

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Builds a compelling, shared vision for excellence that translates the school’s mission, values, and strategic priorities into clear expectations and ambitious, measurable goals for staff at every level.
Creates a culture of ownership and urgency by setting a high bar for performance, modeling accountability, and consistently reinforcing that adult actions directly drive student outcomes.
Inspires trust and commitment through visible presence, consistency, and follow-through—earning credibility by doing what they say they will do and addressing challenges directly and fairly.
Develops others at all levels, viewing their role as an active talent developer who builds skillsets, prepares team members for expanded responsibility, and supports advancement into new roles. Intentionally uses meetings, coaching, and professional development time to build capacity; leverages development plans, clear rubrics, and the Bullseye performance management system to set goals, track progress, and celebrate growth toward professional milestones.
Leads with both care and candor, celebrating wins and growth while providing timely, direct feedback when performance falls short.
Uses data as a motivational tool, grounding conversations in evidence, tracking progress transparently, and helping teams see the impact of their efforts on student learning and culture.
Aligns structures, routines, and recognition (meetings, goal-setting, evaluations, professional learning, and celebrations) to reinforce desired behaviors and sustained performance.
Addresses underperformance decisively, providing support and coaching when appropriate while taking timely action to ensure every role is filled by a strong, effective contributor.
Manage and develop the School Leadership Team, including the AP Team to drive strong results in academics, culture, operations, and family engagement.
Drive staff retention, investment, and performance through regular coaching, clear expectations, performance management, and culture-building aligned to DC Scholars’ mission and values.
Lead hiring and onboarding processes for teachers and leaders, making final hiring and retention recommendations/decisions for instructional staff in partnership with the CAOO and Talent team.
Analyze Insight Survey and internal culture data to monitor staff experience and implement responsive action plans to improve staff satisfaction, collaboration, and trust.
Identify, coach, and develop high-potential staff for future leadership roles, building a sustainable leadership pipeline for DC Scholars PCS.
Facilitate high-quality schoolwide professional development, including New Teacher Orientation (NTO), All-Staff Orientation (AO), and ongoing PD aligned to mission, PATH values, and school priorities.
Lead the DC Scholars Continuous Development Cycle (goal setting, coaching, observation/feedback, and evaluation) for teachers and coaches to drive instructional excellence.
Own and implement the academic vision for all core content areas/
Ensure rigorous, standards-aligned instruction across all grades and content areas, including appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
Analyze interim assessments, state tests, and internal data to inform instructional decisions, reteach plans, and curriculum adjustments in service of annual academic goals.
Build and sustain a safe, inclusive, joyful, and achievement-oriented school culture where scholars live out our PATH values—Prepared, Attentive, Thoughtful, and Hardworking—in daily routines and decision-making.
Manage Assistant Principals to implement Big 5 routines, SEL systems, and the Ladder of Consequences in a way that is consistent, values-driven, and restorative.
Oversee implementation of Dean’s List and other incentive systems to promote positive behavior, in-seat attendance, and recognition of scholars who exemplify the mission and PATH values.
Lead efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and drive strong in-seat attendance, including proactive family outreach, cross-team collaboration, and compliance with CFSA and other relevant agencies.
Ensure discipline and culture systems are fair, restorative, and identity-affirming, with particular attention to students and groups disproportionately impacted by exclusionary discipline.
Oversee implementation and analysis of Family Survey, Chat & Chews, and parent communication systems to ensure families feel informed, heard, and valued.
Lead and support schoolwide family events and the Parent Action Council (PAC , fostering two-way communication, shared decision-making, and a strong sense of belonging.
Cultivate partnerships with community organizations to support enrichment, mental health, and resources that advance academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness.
Partner with the Associate Director of Operations, Business Manager, and operations and finance teams to ensure smooth execution of logistics, compliance, budget management, and grant reporting.
Collaborate on the school calendar, scheduling, testing operations, safety procedures, and technology/facilities oversight to create conditions for excellent teaching and learning.
Ensure school-level practices align with DC charter authorizer, OSSE, and other regulatory requirements, including timely and accurate reporting.
Drive enrollment and reenrollment outcomes in partnership with the enrollment team to maintain a full, stable, and thriving PreK–8 community.