Lead the Launch. Build the Culture. Shape the Future.

Ascend Academy is preparing to open its doors in Fall 2026 in Battle Creek, Michigan — and we are seeking a dynamic, visionary Founding Principal to help bring this K–5 charter school to life.

This is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up in partnership with GPS Solutions and a committed founding board. The ideal candidate is an instructional leader, culture builder, and systems thinker who thrives in start-up environments and believes deeply in the potential of every child.

Position Overview

The Principal serves as the certified instructional and operational leader of Ascend Academy. Reporting to the CEO and working collaboratively with the Ascend Board and GPS cross-functional teams, the Principal will:

• Establish a strong instructional vision and academic framework
• Hire, develop, and coach a high-performing founding staff
• Build a positive, restorative school culture
• Oversee curriculum implementation and assessment systems
• Ensure operational readiness prior to opening
• Serve as the public-facing ambassador of the school

This role is critical to ensuring Ascend Academy opens strong — not just on time.

Why Ascend Academy?

Ascend Academy will serve students in the Post Addition area of Battle Creek — a historically vibrant community ready for renewed educational opportunities .

The school launch is designed to:

• Open fully operational in September 2026
• Hire and train a complete instructional team before Day 1
• Establish strong leadership clarity and team cohesion before launch
• Build a replicable high-performing school model

You won’t be alone — this is a cross-functional launch effort with academic; operations, HR, and systems support aligned around clear goals and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision
• Retirement options
• Paid time off
• Professional development and coaching support
• Launch leadership development experience

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s Degree (or higher) in Educational Leadership or related field
• Valid Michigan Teacher Certification
• Michigan School Administrator Certification

Experience & Competencies:

• Proven instructional leadership
• Experience developing or improving academic programs
• Strong hiring and staff development experience
• Ability to lead in high-poverty and diverse school communities
• Data-driven decision-making mindset
• Operational and compliance awareness
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills

The Principal is responsible for cultivating instructional excellence, overseeing curriculum and assessment systems, supervising staff, and building community partnerships .

The Leader We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who is:

• A culture architect — able to build systems of respect, safety, and restorative practices
• A clarity-driven leader — values accountability and execution
• A talent developer — committed to coaching teachers toward excellence
• A community partner — visible, accessible, and collaborative
• A builder — energized by launching something new

Battle Creek serves approximately 4,700–5,300 elementary-aged children citywide, with a strong need for high-quality K–5 options. This is an opportunity to create lasting impact in a community ready for strong educational leadership.

Target Start Date

On or before May 1, 2026
The Principal will lead spring planning, summer hiring, and full staff onboarding prior to the September 2026 launch.