Principal/Director

acceleration-academies; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Comprehensive health insurance

Flexible paid time off

Wellness resources

Employee referrals bonus

Certification reimbursement

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Acceleration Academies seeks an Academy Director/Principal to lead an academy, align with our mission to re-engage non-traditional learners, and drive graduation outcomes. You will manage a team of teachers and support staff, foster an inclusive culture, and collaborate with district partners to ensure program fidelity and student success.

The role is full-time and on-site, reporting to the Regional Vice President.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Valid principal or school administrator certification required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant education experience, including supervisory roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead enrollment efforts and partnership with district partners.
• Oversee retention, attendance, and student engagement initiatives.
• Supervise instructional planning, delivery, and assessment.
• Manage site operations, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Coach staff, conduct evaluations, and provide professional development.
• Advocate for student needs and coordinate with families and community.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Data-driven decisions

Staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Educational leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Principal or school administrator certification

Job description

About Acceleration Academies

At 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.

Academy Directors

• Instructional Leadership


• School Culture


• Staff Development


• Community Engagement


• Change Leadership

For Potential Openings across the US

We are hiring certified Teachers across all content areas and academy locations. If you hold a valid 6–12 or 9–12 teaching certification in Math, English, Social Studies, Special Education, or Science…. we want to hear from you.

While a position may not be available at this time, we actively recruit on an ongoing basis. When an opening arises that matches your certification and location, our Talent Acquisition team will reach out to connect.

Our Principal/Director openings are onsite positions; Principal/Director are expected to be present at their assigned academy location during scheduled academy hours.

The Role

As an Academy Director/Prinicipal, you will serve as the operational and instructional leader of your academy, 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.

As our organization grows and evolves, you will also help your team adapt and thrive through change. This is a full-time, in-person position reporting to the Regional Vice President.

Key Responsibilities

Enrollment

• Lead student enrollment efforts through outreach and recruitment campaigns


• Oversee onboarding and orientation of new Graduation Candidates (GCs)


• Partner with Career and Life Coaches to develop Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) that align with each student's goals and pathway to graduation

Retention

• Lead implementation of the Retention Cycle Protocol to address disengagement


• Build a strong academy culture that fosters attendance, perseverance, and belonging


• Monitor daily attendance trends and partner with staff to proactively support struggling students

Academics

• Supervise instructional planning, delivery, and assessment to ensure rigorous and relevant learning


• Ensure compliance with all graduation requirements including course completions, GPA thresholds, and standardized testing


• Support data-driven instructional decision-making through regular reviews of student progress. Ensure that all ESE and ELL documentation and supports are current and in compliance

Leadership & Operations

• Coach and manage a team of instructional and support staff, ensuring clarity of roles, goals, and accountability


• Conduct regular staff check-ins, performance evaluations, and provide professional development


• Maintain fidelity to organizational procedures, district requirements, and contractual obligations


• Manage schedules, resource allocation, and site-level logistics to ensure operational excellence

Advocacy

• Serve as the academy's primary liaison with district partners, families, and community organization.


• Represent the academy at community events, school board meetings, and partner convenings


• Champion student achievement and advocate for services that address both academic and non-academic barriers to success

Other Duties

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and mission alignment


• Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of the academy and its students

What We’re Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

Certification (REQUIRED): Valid principal or school administrator certification. Candidates who do not yet hold the certification required in the state of employment must be willing to obtain it

Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant education experience, including at least 3 years in a direct supervisory role

Skills: Visionary leadership, data-driven decision-making, staff development, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead change and adapt in a growing organization

Passion: A deep commitment to serving non-traditional learners and improving student outcomes through innovative education models

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in non-traditional or at-risk youth settings


• Bilingual (Spanish preferred)


• Familiarity with competency-based learning, project-based education and alternative school models


• Experience managing multi-site or alternative education programs


• Comfort using digital tools and data systems to drive instruction and operations

Why Join Us?

Being part of Acceleration Academies means joining a team dedicated to transforming student outcomes. Here, you'll directly impact students’ lives, championing their growth, resilience, and path to graduation.

We Value Our Team’s Well-being

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to a 4% company match


• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Company Paid Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance


• Flexible Paid Time Off


• Wellness Support: Employer-paid financial wellness programs and access to mental health resources


• Employee Referral Incentives


• Professional Development: Certification reimbursement programs


• Bonus Opportunities: Performance-based bonuses

Physical & Work Environment

• Regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands


• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds


• Work in a collaborative classroom or office setting


• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather during events

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Acceleration 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

If you believe you may need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the role, Acceleration Academies will engage in an interactive process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please note that accommodations cannot remove essential job functions or fundamentally alter the nature of the role.