2026-2027 Principal

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). The school opened in August 2023 with a class of 216 kindergarten – 3rd grade students and grow a year, until fully enrolled. Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service. Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it’s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it’s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Principal

CLASSIFICATION: District-Administrative

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal serves as the chief instructional, operational, and cultural leader of ZEST Preparatory Academy. This role is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the school, ensuring a safe, joyful, and academically rigorous learning environment in which all students thrive.

The Principal leads and oversees all aspects of school-based operations, instruction, and culture, including curriculum implementation, instructional quality, professional development, staff supervision, student achievement, family engagement, and compliance with state, federal, and charter requirements. Working closely with the Executive Director and Senior Director of Operations, the Principal ensures alignment to ZEST Preparatory Academy’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

The Principal establishes a strong, values-driven school culture grounded in high expectations, accountability, and care for students and staff. This leader is highly visible throughout the school day, actively coaching teachers, supporting students, engaging families, and modeling the leadership habits ZEST seeks to instill in its students.

Through strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative leadership, the Principal ensures continuous improvement in academic outcomes, operational effectiveness, and community trust, positioning ZEST Preparatory Academy for long-term success and sustainability.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRINCIPAL

• Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly
• Flexible: Embraces an “all hands on deck” mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity
• Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions

• Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities
• Direct the implementation of the school’s instructional vision inclusive of curriculum development, instructional practices, professional development, assessment, and evaluations
• Maintain a deep understanding of the Georgia Standards of Excellence to ensure student growth and mastery in all content areas
• Maintain deep knowledge of the Science of Reading, and language and literacy development
• Monitor student data and promote a data-driven culture within the school community
• Ensure positive student growth outcomes based upon required Georgia assessments and internal assessments such as NWEA MAP
• Conduct classroom observations

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Principal is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day school academi