Job Description

We're excited to provide the best education in the best environment to our students!

Principal

Reports To: Director of Schools
Location: 6423 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock, AR 72204
Employment Classification: Full-Time
Salary Range: Starting at $88,000 annually, based on experience

Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is seeking an exceptional instructional leader to serve as Principal of one of our Little Rock campuses. This role is responsible for cultivating a high-performing school culture where scholars, staff, and families thrive through academic excellence, strong instructional leadership, and operational effectiveness.

The Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the campus, providing strategic direction for teaching and learning, developing and coaching school leaders and teachers, and ensuring the successful implementation of the school's academic vision. This leader is committed to fostering a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement, and equitable outcomes for every scholar.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, data-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to improve student achievement, build high-performing teams, and lead transformational change within a K–8 educational environment.

About Academies of Math and Science

Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Arizona, Arkansas, and Nevada. Our mission is to provide every scholar—particularly those in historically underserved communities—with access to an academically rigorous education that prepares them for success in high school, college, career, and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Lead the implementation of rigorous, standards-aligned instruction across all grade levels.

• Establish and communicate a clear instructional vision focused on student achievement and continuous improvement.

• Conduct classroom observations and provide meaningful coaching and feedback to teachers and instructional leaders.

• Utilize student achievement data to drive instructional decisions, interventions, and school improvement initiatives.

• Ensure implementation of curriculum, assessment systems, and instructional best practices.

School Leadership & Culture

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school culture that promotes academic excellence and character development.

• Build strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.

• Establish high expectations for student behavior, attendance, and academic performance.

• Lead school-wide initiatives that promote scholar success, staff engagement, and organizational excellence.

Talent Development

• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality educators and school leaders.

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate instructional and operational staff.

• Promote a culture of professional growth through ongoing coaching, collaboration, and professional development.

• Support leadership succession planning and capacity building across the campus.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and charter requirements.

• Oversee campus operations, budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Collaborate with network departments to ensure effective implementation of organizational initiatives.

• Monitor school performance metrics and develop action plans to achieve academic and operational goals.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations.

• Maintain consistent communication with stakeholders regarding school initiatives and student success.

• Represent AMS professionally within the community and serve as an ambassador for the organization's mission and values.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field preferred.

• Demonstrated success in school-site leadership roles such as Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, Director, or comparable leadership position.

• Proven experience leading and developing adults, including coaching teachers and supervising leadership teams.

• Experience improving student achievement through data-driven instructional leadership.

• Experience serving students in at-risk or historically underserved communities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong instructional leadership skills, including classroom observation, teacher coaching, and professional development.

• Ability to analyze student achievement data and lead school improvement efforts.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and project management skills.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, and student achievement data systems.

• Commitment to equity, continuous improvement, and preparing students for college and career success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Arkansas Principal/Administrator License or eligibility to obtain licensure.

• Experience working in a charter school environment.

• Bilingual in Spanish.

• Experience supporting English Learners and implementing effective language acquisition strategies.

• Knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction, including the Science of Reading.

• Experience with standards-based curriculum implementation and assessment systems such as NWEA MAP.

• Background in STEM education, mathematics, or middle school leadership.

Internal Applicant Requirements

Internal candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum of three (3) consecutive years of employment with Academies of Math and Science.

• Minimum of two (2) years of successful experience in an Assistant Principal, Dean, Director, or comparable leadership role.

• Most recent performance evaluations reflect an overall rating of Effective or higher in all performance categories.

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit the following:

• Current resume

• 30-Day Entry Plan outlining your priorities, leadership approach, and initial action steps for successfully transitioning into the Principal role during your first month.

Applications submitted without both required documents may not be considered.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site leadership position.

• Occasional evening and weekend commitments for school events, family engagement activities, and professional development.

• Extended periods of standing, walking classrooms, meetings, and computer work.

• Ability to respond effectively to the daily operational needs of a busy school environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Fully paid employee medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.

• Optional low-cost vision insurance.

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Comprehensive onboarding, leadership coaching, and ongoing professional development.

• Opportunities for advancement within a growing network of high-performing charter schools.

Why Join Academies of Math and Science?

At AMS, we believe exceptional school leaders transform lives. As a Principal, you'll have the opportunity to build a culture of excellence, develop outstanding educators, and create meaningful opportunities for scholars to achieve their highest potential. Join a collaborative, mission-driven organization committed to innovation, leadership development, and educational excellence.

Join us to enjoy rewarding challenges and ongoing opportunities!