Secondary School Principal
About The Position
Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA) is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Secondary School Principal (grades 7-12) to provide strong academic and operational leadership. WCPA is a free, public charter network in California’s Central Valley committed to providing a world-class education. The mission is to foster a nurturing, engaging, community-centered school environment where students develop a strong academic foundation, preparing them to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Students have access to innovative learning experiences and technology, rooted in health and wellness, including on-site wellness centers, over 30 sports teams, learning farms, teaching kitchens, Harvest Hall for healthy meals, and the Wonderful Career Pathways program offering college credits and associate degrees. WCPA has been recognized for its leadership, innovation, and commitment to equity, including the Hart Vision Equity & Innovation Award and being named among America’s Healthiest Schools. The academy seeks thoughtful, inclusive, and skilled communicators who value continuous learning and are excited to serve students and families.
Requirements
- 2 years minimum experience as a middle and/or high school administrator
- 3-5 years of teaching experience, preferably in middle and/or high school
- A graduate of a recognized college or university with a master's level or higher degree
- Proficient computer skills and knowledge
- Passion for working with traditionally underserved communities in high-performance settings
- Entrepreneurial spirit capable of managing many complex tasks with competing priorities
- Strong execution and leadership abilities, including inspirational vision
- Leadership skills in conflict management
- Excellent and resourceful problem-solver
- Inspirational school leader who can create an atmosphere of inclusive learning for everyone with talents in team building, mentoring, and coaching
- Successful work experience in goal-setting, prioritization, and strategic planning, reaching school-wide academic goals
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, orally and in writing
- Organized and self-managed, able to handle many responsibilities simultaneously
- Proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Self-reflective leader who is committed to ongoing learning and growth
- Dependable and excellent at follow-through; completion of tasks on time
- Commitment to our overall organization's mission and educational philosophy
Nice To Haves
- A valid California Administrative Services credential, preferred
- Bilingual Spanish speaker, preferred
Responsibilities
- Create a vision of powerful teaching and learning, with an urgency to provide a strong foundation for students to thrive academically and socially.
- Design and implement horizontally and vertically-integrated academic systems and structures to accelerate student growth and promote rigorous college prep learning at every level.
- Lead daily, weekly, and quarterly data cycles to analyze student progress, identify high-leverage priorities, guide targeted action planning, and strategically facilitate school-wide improvement.
- Develop and execute innovative strategies to ensure a well-rounded college-prep program that meets the distinct needs of all children.
- Invest in coaching, managing, and retaining high-performing student-centered teachers and staff.
- Effectively inform, inspire, and mobilize stakeholders to actively support a collective vision for student excellence.
- Develop traditions, rituals, and events for students and families that promote a strong school-home partnership to sustain a college-going culture and support student achievement.
- Create and promote a culture of inclusivity where all students, families, and staff feel valued and cared for, providing wraparound services and positive academic and/or behavioral supports as needed.
- Coordinate with senior leadership to manage day-to-day operations, annual budget, mandated compliance, and personnel oversight.
- Create a vision for the growing K-12 school model.
- Other leadership responsibilities, as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical coverage at no cost to the employee
- Dental coverage at no cost to the employee
- Vision coverage at no cost to the employee
- Life insurance at no cost to the employee
- For eligible employees, WCPA contributes 19% to CalSTRS.
- Alternatively, employees may participate in a 403(b) plan with up to 5% employer match (if not receiving CalSTRS contributions).
- Free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
