What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Principal - Head of Academic Programming (26-27 SY) position at Freire Schools?
About Freire Schools
Established in 1999, Freire Schools (www.freireschools.org) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. We’re distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement. As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.
About The Team
For this Head of Academic Programming position, you’ll be working at Freire Charter High School in Center City, Philadelphia. Philadelphia Magazine recently named Freire Charter High School (#18) among the top high schools in Philadelphia. While we’re proud of our accomplishments, we’re not bound by tradition—if something isn’t working, we take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Since Freire’s founding in 1999, our network has achieved strong outcomes for students through a rigorous college-preparatory program and a deep commitment to peace, within our walls and beyond.
Freire Charter High School (9–12): 2027 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103\
What You’ll Do
As the Head of Academic Programming at Freire, you’ll lead and oversee the systems, structures, and programming that drive academic operations and student learning across the school community. In partnership with the Head of School for Academics and instructional leadership team, you’ll manage curriculum systems, academic data and assessment strategy, grading structures, and schoolwide academic programming while ensuring students and staff have clear, consistent, and high-quality academic supports. This role is highly collaborative and systems-focused, requiring a leader who can drive alignment, problem-solve cross-functionally, and lead through influence rather than direct supervision. This position does not include direct reports, it plays a critical role in shaping academic systems and supporting strong implementation across teams.
Responsibilities
You are a collaborative, systems-minded educational leader who believes deeply in the potential of all students and is passionate about building structures that support rigorous, student-centered learning. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage complex academic systems while partnering across teams to ensure consistency, accountability, and strong student outcomes.
Minimum Requirements
This is a 12-month position beginning July 1 and includes two weeks off during July. As part of the Heads team, this position is not eligible for additional stipend work. Freire offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.
Established in 1999, Freire Schools (www.freireschools.org) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond. We’re distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement. As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.
About The Team
For this Head of Academic Programming position, you’ll be working at Freire Charter High School in Center City, Philadelphia. Philadelphia Magazine recently named Freire Charter High School (#18) among the top high schools in Philadelphia. While we’re proud of our accomplishments, we’re not bound by tradition—if something isn’t working, we take a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Since Freire’s founding in 1999, our network has achieved strong outcomes for students through a rigorous college-preparatory program and a deep commitment to peace, within our walls and beyond.
Freire Charter High School (9–12): 2027 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103\
What You’ll Do
As the Head of Academic Programming at Freire, you’ll lead and oversee the systems, structures, and programming that drive academic operations and student learning across the school community. In partnership with the Head of School for Academics and instructional leadership team, you’ll manage curriculum systems, academic data and assessment strategy, grading structures, and schoolwide academic programming while ensuring students and staff have clear, consistent, and high-quality academic supports. This role is highly collaborative and systems-focused, requiring a leader who can drive alignment, problem-solve cross-functionally, and lead through influence rather than direct supervision. This position does not include direct reports, it plays a critical role in shaping academic systems and supporting strong implementation across teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage schoolwide academic systems and programming, including curriculum implementation, grading and gradebook systems, academic data tracking, and testing strategy.
- Oversee key academic programming initiatives, including Crew, student portfolios, senior presentations, summer school content, and I Can Appeals.
- Support course catalog development and DLR systems and structures.
- Coordinate curriculum ordering and implementation processes across departments.
- Manage and strengthen academic partnerships and external programming opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Student Services to align academic systems and student supports.
- Use academic data and schoolwide trends to help improve instructional systems and student outcomes.
- Serve as a member of the Heads team and contribute to broader school leadership initiatives and strategic planning.
You are a collaborative, systems-minded educational leader who believes deeply in the potential of all students and is passionate about building structures that support rigorous, student-centered learning. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage complex academic systems while partnering across teams to ensure consistency, accountability, and strong student outcomes.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree strongly preferred
- Previous leadership or management experience in schools or academic programming
- Strong understanding of curriculum implementation, academic data systems, and school operations
- Experience leading projects, systems, or schoolwide initiatives
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and serving diverse student populations
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments
- Minimum of two years of classroom teaching experience
This is a 12-month position beginning July 1 and includes two weeks off during July. As part of the Heads team, this position is not eligible for additional stipend work. Freire offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.
Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.