Founding Principal Fellow, 2026-2027

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Founding Middle School Principal Fellow
Reports To: Chief Academic Officer
Compensation: $80,000 – $95,000 + Performance Stipend
Calendar: 11-Month
Status: Exempt

Our School

Houston Classical Charter School (“Houston Classical”) opened in August 2020 with the deep belief that every child—regardless of background or zip code—can excel at the highest academic levels. Authorized by the Texas Education Agency, Houston Classical is guided by an accomplished Board of Directors and a leadership team committed to excellence, character, and equity. As we expand to serve more scholars across Houston, we seek visionary, mission-aligned leaders who are excited to build and lead high-performing schools.

Mission of Houston Classical

Houston Classical’s mission is to ensure all scholars PreK-8 are successful through a classical approach, rigorous academics, character development, and structured environment to ensure success in high school, college and in life.

Position Overview

Houston Classical is seeking a distinguished and highly motivated instructional leader to join our organization as a Founding Middle School Principal Fellow. This fellowship is a strategic leadership pathway designed to prepare a high-capacity leader to launch and lead a new Houston Classical campus.

Over the course of a rigorous one-year residency, the Fellow will be deeply embedded in the systems, culture, and instructional practices that define Houston Classical’s success. Working under the direct mentorship of the Chief Academic Officer and Principal, the Fellow will gain comprehensive training in instructional leadership, school culture, operations, talent management, and community engagement.

Key ResponsibilitiesYear 1: Fellowship & Leadership Development

• Participate in an immersive, year-long leadership residency on the Houston Classical founding campus.
• Receive intensive coaching from senior network leadership to develop mastery in instructional systems, culture development, and high-impact adult leadership.
• Lead portions of professional development, data-driven instruction meetings, coaching cycles, and teacher performance observations.
• Build deep expertise in classical instructional practices, character formation structures, and Houston Classical’s academic model.
• Support the management and refinement of school culture systems, ensuring consistency, joy, and high expectations.
• Participate in strategic operational planning, including budgeting, scheduling, staffing models, and campus systems design.
• Assist in talent selection, interviewing, and hiring processes for the founding school.
• Collaborate and support community engagement, scholar recruitment, and enrollment initiatives.
• Strengthen family partnerships through transparent communication and relationship-building.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of campus policies aligned to Houston Classical’s mission, values, and expectations.

Year 2 and Beyond: Founding Principal

• Launch and lead a new Houston Classical campus with excellence from day one.
• Recruit, develop, and manage a mission-aligned team of teachers and staff.
• Implement Houston Classical’s academic model with fidelity, ensuring exceptional instruction and strong data-driven practices.
• Establish and maintain a school culture that is structured and deeply focused on scholar character and achievement.
• Build strong relationships with families, community members, and partners who support the school’s long-term success.
• Drive rigorous academic outcomes and ensure all scholars demonstrate strong character, habits, and virtues.
• Serve as the instructional and cultural leader of the campus, ensuring consistent alignment with Houston Classical’s mission and organizational priorities.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field. Master’s in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field highly preferred.
• Proven experience in school-based leadership (Assistant Principal, Dean, Instructional Coach, or similar).
• Deep belief in the mission of Houston Classical and the potential of all scholars.
• Exceptional instructional leadership capacity, with demonstrated success in coaching teachers and improving student outcomes.
• Experience developing and sustaining a strong, positive school culture.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with staff, families, and scholars.
• Demonstrated record of high academic results as a teacher and/or leader.
• A results-driven mindset, coupled with resilience and the ability to navigate challenges strategically.
• High level of organizational skill, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and reflective leadership.
• A self-starter with strong judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Integrity, ethical decision-making, and alignment with Houston Classical’s core values.

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