Job Description

High School Principal Opportunity At Durham Charter School

Durham Charter School seeks a High School Principal to lead a growing, high-performing school with a proven track record and a clear trajectory. In 2026, DCS will graduate its first senior class, marking the completion of a true K12 model and the beginning of the school's next phase of growth. The high school is expanding from 250 to 400 students over the next two years, as part of a 1,450-student K12 campus on 50 acres in Durham, North Carolina.

The incoming principal will work alongside the Middle School Principal and operations teams in a brand new 80,000 square foot facility that includes a gymnasium, orchestra, dance, choir, and robotics rooms, as well as soccer and baseball facilities. The High School Principal will also play a central role in the school's athletics program, which is a growing and visible part of DCS's identity.

The next High School Principal will inherit strong academic momentum, a distinctive school model, and a staff that is committed to the mission. The work of this first phase has built a strong foundation. The next principal will be charged with building on it to define what excellence looks like at the high school level.

Durham Charter School, formerly Healthy Start Academy, serves more than 1250 scholars, grades K-12, in Durham, North Carolina. We are the oldest public charter school in the state and a 2022 National Title I School of Distinction. For the last seven years, DCS has ranked in the top 5% of all public schools in the state in terms of academic growth.

To build a world-class school in Durham that empowers our scholars to thrive in college, career, and life.

Our school seeks a diverse student body with a priority on closing the achievement gaps that persist by socioeconomic status and race. We commit to providing transportation and free lunch at levels comparable to traditional public schools in North Carolina. We also advocate for and work to expand high-quality school choice across the state, especially for children and families who have historically had few options for an excellent education.

By 2035 DCS will be one of the highest performing schools in the country and a worldwide model for excellence in closing achievement gaps. Serving over 2000 students in grades K-12, the school will annually graduate seniors with associate's degrees who pursue 4-year college completion and skilled career certifications enabling them to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

Our arts majors will travel nationally and internationally showcasing their talents and our athletics teams will have won multiple conferences and at least one state championship. The school will have an annual waitlist of over 1500 applicants, and three separate elementary, middle, and high school facilities.

DCS will be a model of operational and fiscal stability, with over $10 million cash on hand and a foundation that awards scholarships for graduates to attend college and/or launch their own business in skilled trades. DCS will routinely train teachers and leaders from around the state and have expanded choice in North Carolina either through seeding another charter school or replication.

Our school's design and success rest on six pillars that make DCS distinct. As a K12 school, these foundations guide our work across every grade. The high school principal will play a critical role in threading these pillars through the high school program.

• Academics First: We invest in great teachers, high-quality curriculum, and consistent instructional practices so every student experiences focused, rigorous, and rich learning every day.
• Comprehensive Arts, Athletics, & Sciences: Students experience athletics and sciences throughout their K-12 journey, select an arts major in middle school, and have the option to pursue a high school arts pathway leading to the North Carolina Arts Proficiency Endorsement.
• Disciplined Culture: We maintain high expectations and explicitly teach culture norms so every student learns in a safe, structured environment.
• Sense of Belonging: We create an emotional climate for learning that activates every student's ability to excel, ensuring each scholar feels known, loved, and connected to a community that believes in their potential.
• Operational Excellence: Families experience a school that communicates clearly, responds quickly, and maintains facilities to rigorous standards every single day.
• Early College & Career: Students have the opportunity to attend an early college and career program through a structured dual enrollment model at Durham Tech in 11th and 12th grade, earning college credits or career certifications before graduation.

The Role

The High School Principal reports directly to the Chief Academic Officer and is responsible for the academic outcomes, culture, operations, and growth of the 912 program at Durham Charter School. He/She will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Executive Director, Chief Academic Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Middle and Elementary School Principals.

The High School Principal will directly manage a leadership team that includes two Assistant Principals, a High School Counselor, College Counselor, and Discipline Coordinator.

Academic Leadership

• Drive rigorous, standards-aligned instruction across all high school classrooms using our Teach Like a Champion and Leverage Leadership frameworks;
• Coach and develop teachers through consistent observation, feedback, and professional development cycles;
• Monitor and respond to student performance data to accelerate growth and close gaps;
• Oversee the 9th and 10th grade course sequence that prepares every scholar for Durham Tech dual enrollment;
• Ensure scholars are enrolled, supported, and succeeding in the dual enrollment program.

Culture & Community

• Model and uphold DCS's culture norms, behavior expectations, across the high school;
• Work closely with the Middle School Principal, who shares an 80,000 square foot facility;
• Build strong relationships with scholars, families, and staff grounded in high expectations and genuine care;
• Ensure every scholar feels known, loved, and connected to a school that believes in their future;
• Lead family engagement and communication for the high school program.

Program Building

• Grow the high school from 250 to 400+ students while maintaining quality and culture;
• Build a competitive, values-driven athletics program across multiple sports;
• Expand and strengthen the Arts Pathway, including the NC Arts Proficiency Endorsement pipeline;
• Develop the systems, structures, and people that will define the high school for years to come;
• Partner with Durham Tech to deepen the dual enrollment relationship and increase scholar completion rates.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the high school with excellence and consistency;
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain exceptional teachers and staff;
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and school leadership team on strategic priorities;
• Represent DCS with external partners, including Durham Tech, community organizations, and prospective families.

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