Principal

DC Scholars Public Charter School
Principal SY26-27

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 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 SY2627 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 PreK8 campus. The Principal inspires staff scholars and families to bring the schools 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 PreK8 school to ensure strong outcomes for all scholars including students with disabilities multilingual learners and those furthest from SY2627 the Principal will manage a high-impact instructional leadership teamincluding the Assistant Principal of School Culture and Family Engagement; Assistant Principal of K2 ELA and Math; Assistant Principal of ELA 3rd8th; Assistant Principal of Math 3rd8th; Assistant Principal of ECE and Specials; and Assistant Principal of Special Educationto 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 SY2627 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.
  

Key Responsibilities by Domain
While the domains below represent focus areas effective principals integrate across all domains daily.

1. Team Leadership (35%)

• Builds a compelling shared vision for excellence that translates the schools 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-throughearning 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.

2. Talent Development & Leadership Management (20%)

• 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.

3. Instructional Leadership (20%)

• 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.

4. Culture Leadership Student and Family Experience (20%)

• Build and sustain a safe inclusive joyful and achievement-oriented school culture where scholars live out our PATH valuesPrepared Attentive Thoughtful and Hardworkingin 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 Deans 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.

5. Operations Oversight (10%)

• 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 PreK8 community.

Key Leadership Competencies
Were looking for a systems thinker and people developer who brings:

• Believes in and operationalizes growth seeking and giving two-way feedback setting clear development goals and leveraging coaching and professional learning opportunities to strengthen individual and team effectiveness.
• Deep belief in the potential of all studentsespecially those furthest from opportunityto learn lead and live out our PATH values.
• Strong instructional acumen and adult coaching skills with a track record of improving student outcomes in an urban or similar context.
• Skill in managing high-stakes accountability adult performance and change management with clarity and compassion.
• Urgency resilience and follow-through in the face of challenges coupled with a growth mindset and openness to feedback.
• Ability to build trust create clarity and inspire change among students staff and families across lines of difference.
• Commitment to educational equity anti-racist and inclusive leadership and culturally responsive practices.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Masters Degree in Education Educational Leadership or related field preferred

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Academic and Operations Officer (CAOO)
• Direct Reports: Assistant Principal of School Culture and Family EngagementAssistant Principal of K-2 ELA and Math Assistant Principal of ELA 3rd-8th Assistant Principal of STEM 3rd-8th Assistant Principal of ECE and Specials Assistant Principal of Special Education

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation range: $125000-$155000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits including health insurance retirement match % PD opportunities

Timeline and Application Process

• Application Deadline: Rolling applications reviewed beginning January 15 2026; priority deadline March 15 2026
• Projected Interview Process:phone screen instructional and coaching simulation leadership panel school visit/final round
• To apply submit online application along with aresume cover letter and three professional references to
• In your cover letter please address: your approach to coaching struggling teachers your experience leading teams to close achievement gaps and why DC Scholars mission resonates with you
• QuestionsContact Jackie Gold Director of Talent and Human Resources at