Head of School/Principal

Organization Overview Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latino or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college. 

 

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path. 

 

About our Team Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.

 

About the Role

Excel is seeking a Head of School for our Excel Academy - Rhode Island campus for the 2025-2026 school year. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Schools Officer, the Head of School is responsible for driving student outcomes and experiences through instructional leadership, leading and developing strong teams, and by demonstrating an actionable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Excel Academy has built a strong academic program that has garnered national attention for producing exceptional student results. But there is still work to do and growth to be made. The Head of School at Excel Academy - Rhode Island will lead this work by setting and holding a high bar of rigor and the highest expectations for what all students can achieve and developing a team that can turn this vision into action.  This is our first flagship school in Rhode Island, and at scale, in the 2030-2031 school year, we will serve approximately 2,200 students total from Providence, North Providence, and Central Falls in grades K-12.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The Head of School will have overall accountability for the success of the school and will serve as its instructional leader.  They will work closely with the administrative team to manage the school’s culture, academic program, and operations. Excel believes that its distinctive performance is rooted in the quality of its school leaders, and Excel’s organizational philosophy centers on investing in people—starting with and flowing from Excel school leaders.

Instructional & Cultural Leadership 

• In collaboration with the Deputy Chief Schools Officer and Network Academic Team, lead the school team to achieve instructional excellence and equity in its academic outcomes and student experiences. 
• Actively and regularly assess performance of the school’s academic program in raising achievement for all students, including successful execution and analysis of intervention programs targeted at needs of diverse academic subgroups. 
• Develop and implement strategies to drive instructional excellence and student’s holistic wellness including professional development, data analysis, direct coaching of teachers and leaders, and leading strong implementation of Excel’s curriculum. 
• Model instructional and cultural excellence in all aspects of the school, setting and holding a high bar for cultural and instructional excellence. 

People Development & Strategic Leadership 

• Develop a high-performing Administrative Team to lead the school to achieve Excel’s mission, the team includes the following members: Dean of Operations, Dean of Culture, Dean of Student Supports, & Dean of Curriculum & Instruction. 
• Strategically hire, coach, develop and evaluate teachers and leaders, and provide clear and timely direction to help them produce high-quality work and achieve goals. 
• Communicate a strategic vision for achieving Excel’s mission and invest and support the school’s teachers, leaders, and staff to translate that vision into day-to-day implementation.

Administrative Leadership & Family Engagement 

• Develop and manage relationships with families as critical partners and stakeholders, demonstrating the utmost respect and appreciation for the cultures and languages of our home communities.   
• Develop & manage the school’s five million dollar bu