Principal

Job Title

Thank you for your interest in joining Friendship Public Charter School!

We are excited to review applications for anticipated vacancies for the 20262027 school year.

Our formal interview process will begin in January 2026 for all confirmed openings. Please note that some roles may be posted in advance of confirmation, and internal applicants will be considered first for any potential vacancies.

Friendship Public Charter School operates a network of high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving students from pre-K3 through 12th grade. Our mission is to provide a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary for success in college, career, and life.

We are seeking dedicated, mission-aligned professionals to join our team for the 20262027 school year. If you are committed to accelerating student achievement, fostering joyful and rigorous learning, and preparing students for bright postsecondary futures, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to learning more about you and your passion for serving students in Washington, DC.

For more information about our Teacher Evaluation Method, see the Danielson Framework for Teaching.

Please see the available salary scales: FPCS Compensation

Responsibilities

1. Drive Toward and Deliver on Results

• Drive the mission and guiding principles of Friendship Public Charter School, fostering a positive achievement-focused culture among teachers, staff, and students.
• Analyze schoolwide and grade-level performance data to identify strengths and areas for improvement, set clear academic and operational goals, and drive targeted actions aligned to school priorities.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of targeted instructional strategies to improve academic outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to academic and operational standards.

2. Create a Culture of Learning and Growing

• Serve as the instructional leader, enabling high-quality teaching and learning through clear instructional vision, consistent observation and feedback, data-driven decision-making, and targeted professional development.
• Foster a positive, achievement-oriented school culture by modeling continuous learning, setting high expectations for adults and students, and aligning instructional and cultural practices to the school's mission and guiding principles.
• Collaborate with staff to cultivate an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment that actively engages students and families and promotes belonging, growth, and achievement.

3. Build a Thriving Team and Community

• Create and sustain an inclusive environment that attracts, develops, and retains diverse, talented individuals, ensuring all staff are supported and positioned to excel in service of student success.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, high-performing team by leading recruitment, onboarding, and staff development; establishing and upholding shared norms and expectations; and strategically leveraging individual strengths to advance student success.
• Lead purposeful engagement with parents, families, and community stakeholders to strengthen school culture, support student development, and foster a cohesive, community-centered approach to academic and extracurricular programming.

4. Skillfully Approach Decisions

• Navigate communication and decision-making with clarity and purpose, grounding actions in a deep understanding of organizational values, and the needs of students, staff, families, and the broader school community.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to assess, refine, and adjust schoolwide strategies, making informed instructional, cultural, and operational decisions in complex and evolving environments to advance student outcomes.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and adaptability in managing competing priorities, navigating ambiguity, and resolving conflicts in service of school goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in the role preferred
• Commitment to providing a world-class education to students from historically underserved communities
• Master's Degree or Doctorate in Education Administration or related field
• 2 or more years of school leadership with demonstrated exemplary results in an urban setting
• Minimum 4- 5 years of successful classroom experience with demonstrated exemplary results, preferably within an urban setting
• Superior knowledge of and experience with implementing effective instructional and culture systems that lead to high levels of performance for all stakeholders
• Proven leadership capabilities
• Demonstrated success managing staff through planning, motivating, rewarding, and providing targeted feedback and professional development
• A passion for educational excellence, data-driven instruction, and a personal commitment to accountability for results
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Strong instructional leaders who do not meet all of the qualifications above but can demonstrate excellence in outcomes are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a leader residency program.

FPCS's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual's capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.