Summer Academy Principal

Foundation Academies•Trenton, NJ

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Foundation Academies seeks a highly effective and results-driven Summer Academy Principal to lead the execution of our Summer Academy program. This leader is responsible for ensuring that summer programming delivers strong academic outcomes, aligned instruction, and a structured, engaging scholar experience. This role requires both pre-program planning and post-program follow-through in addition to program execution. Success in this role will be measured by student academic growth, instructional quality, scholar attendance, and overall program execution. The Summer Academy Principal owns both instructional quality and daily operations, ensuring that all systems—from staffing to data tracking—are tightly aligned and executed with excellence. This role requires a leader who can set a clear vision, manage adults effectively, and ensure scholars are making measurable academic progress throughout the program.

Requirements

NJ Certification required
Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership and adult management
Proven ability to: Drive strong instructional outcomes
Proven ability to: Analyze data and lead data-driven decision-making
Proven ability to: Manage school-based operations effectively
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Commitment to equity and experience working with diverse student populations

Responsibilities

Set and communicate clear expectations for high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all classrooms
Ensure strong alignment between standards, objectives, instruction, and assessment (including daily checks for understanding)
Review lesson plans and provide actionable feedback to ensure rigor and alignment
Monitor classroom instruction through walkthroughs and ensure consistent implementation of instructional expectations
Lead data analysis cycles and ensure teachers are using student data to adjust instruction in real time
Collaborate with school leaders to determine staffing and student enrollment
Ensure strong scholar enrollment and attendance by actively supporting outreach and follow-through with families
Lead staff onboarding and provide training on program expectations, instructional priorities, and systems
Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to plan enrichment opportunities and special programming
Oversee all aspects of daily program operations, including: Attendance and scholar engagement, Behavior systems and expectations, Food service Assistant coordination, Field trips and special events
Ensure compliance with Summer Food Program requirements, including training and implementation
Supervise and coordinate staff and volunteers to ensure smooth daily execution
Step in to provide coverage as needed to maintain continuity of instruction
Establish and oversee systems for daily and end-of-program progress monitoring
Ensure consistent collection and analysis of student data across classrooms
Monitor progress toward program goals and make adjustments as needed
Communicate clear, data-informed updates to staff on scholar performance and next steps
Maintain strong communication with staff, families, and leadership throughout the program
Share weekly updates highlighting student progress, program successes, and key announcements
Build and sustain a positive, structured, and engaging program culture aligned to Foundation Academies’ values