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School Principal
North Charleston, SCApril 2nd, 2026
About Acceleration AcademiesAt Acceleration Academies, we believe in transforming the lives of students who have disengaged from traditional schooling to achieve their high school diploma through personalized, flexible learning and innovative educational practices, we empower young adults to earn their high school diploma tuition-free. Partnering with school districts nationwide, our dropout recovery and student re-engagement programs are supported by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to compassionate, impactful teaching.The RoleAs an Academy Director (School Principal), you will serve as the operational and instructional leader of your academy site(s), ensuring alignment to our mission of helping young adults re-engage with their education and achieve postsecondary success. You will lead a team of educators and support staff, foster a positive and inclusive school culture, and collaborate with district partners and community stakeholders. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on support, requiring a visionary leader who can coach staff, drive student outcomes, and manage academy operations with excellence.This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution ideal for someone ready to take the next step into leadership or expand their impact as a school leader.You will partner closely with district leaders, community organizations, and internal teams to ensure your academy delivers on its mission: re-engaging young adults and guiding them toward graduation and postsecondary success.This is a full-time, in-person position reporting to the Regional Vice President. (Exact location provided during the hiring process)Key ResponsibilitiesEnrollmentLead new GC enrollment through recruitment and engagement effortsLead the implementation of GC OrientationLead Friday Fidelity Forum Meetings focused on data review and collaborationSupport the Career Life Coach in the development of Graduation Candidate individual learning pathways and individual support plans to gauge individual Graduation Candidate progressRetentionTrain and lead staff in the use of the Retention Cycle Protocol Create and maintain a positive school culture and lead the instructional and/or operational vision of the Acceleration Academy programAdvocate and support site-level incentive programsUse technology and Learning Management Systems to track Graduation Candidate progress, assign interventions, and support course completion as determined in individual graduation candidate learning pathwaysAcademicsComplete all required data formulation for all AA reports, including local, state, and federal compliance of all ESE and ELL programsLead the staff in the collection and analysis of data for instructional decision-makingLead the staff in the documentation and tracking of GC progress, the assignment of academic interventions to support on time course completions as determined by the Personalized Learning Plans for GCsMaintain all required documentation for graduation including course completion, GPA, and standardized testing requirementsEnsure compliance for all ESE and ESOL individualized learning plansImplement weekly workshops that focus on non-academic topicsLeadership & AdvocacyLead and manage staff, keeping them strongly connected to the mission of Acceleration AcademiesAct as the primary point of contact between the Academy and the District as well as the Academy and community organizationsOversee positive relationship building and collaboration among staff, Graduation Candidates, and their familiesFacilitate communications with community organizations to support the removal of non-academic barriers for GCs (health, social services, mental health, law enforcement)Create schedules for employees to ensure adequate and effective staffing at all sitesProvide ongoing feedback and support in the growth and development of all staff members connected to goals and milestonesPerform other related duties as assignedComplianceMaintain compliance with the various requirements of the SCPCSDLeadership & AdvocacyLead and manage staff, keeping them strongly connected to the mission of Acceleration AcademiesAct as the primary point of contact between the Academy and the District as well as the Academy and community organizationsOversee positive relationship building and collaboration among staff, Graduation Candidates, and their familiesFacilitate communications with community organizations to support the removal of non-academic barriers for GCs (health, social services, mental health, law enforcement)Create schedules for employees to ensure adequate and effective staffing at all sitesProvide ongoing feedback and support in the growth and development of all staff members connected to goals and milestonesPerform other related duties as assignedComplianceMaintain compliance with the various requirements of the SCPCSDWhat We're Looking ForEducation: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in education or a related field preferred.Certification: Educational Leadership endorsement in the state of employment highly preferred.Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant education experience, including at least 3 years in a direct supervisory role.Skills: Visionary leadership, data-driven decision-making, staff development, and stakeholder engagement.Passion: A deep commitment to serving non-traditional learners and improving student outcomes through innovative education models.Preferred QualificationsBilingual (Spanish preferred)Familiarity with competency-based learning, project-based education, and alternative school modelsProficient in ESE, ELL, and behavior intervention practicesExperience reviewing transcripts and general understanding of graduation requirementsExperience providing supports, interventions, and counseling services with high school aged youthComfort using digital tools and data systems to drive instruction and operationsWhy Join Us?Being part of Acceleration Academies means joining a team dedicated to transforming student outcomes. Here, you'll directly impact lives, championing students' growth, resilience, and path to graduation.We Value Our Team's Well-beingWe prioritize the holistic well-being of our team members and their families through comprehensive total rewards:Competitive Compensation: up to $110,000Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to a 4% company matchComprehensive Insurance Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Company Paid Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance options are available to protect you and your loved ones.Flexible Paid Time Off: Encouraging a healthy work-life balance through adaptable FTO.Wellness Support: Employer-paid financial wellness programs and access to mental health resourcesEmployee Referral Incentives: Rewarding you for helping us grow our teamProfessional Development: Certification reimbursement and ongoing learning opportunitiesBonus Opportunities: Celebrating milestones and achievementsPhysical & Work EnvironmentRegularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use handsOccasionally lift up to 20 poundsWork in a collaborative classroom or office setting and may involve exposure to outdoor weather during eventsOccasional travel between nearby academy sites may be required to support student needs or operational coverageReady to Make a Difference?If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and shaping the future of education, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in redefining what's possible for students everywhere.Third-Party Agency & Recruiter Notice for Acceleration AcademiesAgencies presenting candidates must have an active, nonexpired Master Services Agreement and be formally engaged by an Acceleration Academies Recruiter. Resumes submitted outside these terms will be considered the property of Acceleration Academies.Equal Opportunity EmployerAcceleration Academies is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.All roles at Acceleration Academies include core responsibilities that are fundamental to student success and overall academy operations. Applicants should carefully review the job description to ensure they can meet these requirements. Essential duties typically include:• Consistent, reliable attendance during scheduled work hours• On-site presence (for roles designated as in-person/onsite)• Management of assigned workload and productivity expectations• Ability to perform job functions in an open, student-centered workspace