School Principal

About the Impact Academy

Impact Academy is a unique public alternative school within Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) serving students in Grades 4–12 across six distinct facilities throughout the city. Our students are residents of these facilities, often placed through court or physician orders, including juvenile justice, mental health, and foster care settings.

About the Role

The Principal of Impact Academy leads a complex, multi-site educational program designed to provide stability, rigor, and hope for students in transition. This leader must navigate the intersection of public education, special education law, and residential care, ensuring that every student—regardless of their circumstances—receives high-quality instruction and the support necessary for credit attainment and successful transition.

Responsibilities

• Instructional Leadership: Supervise and support instructional staff across six facilities, ensuring the implementation of IPS-approved curriculum and high-quality teaching practices.
• Special Education Oversight: Ensure rigorous adherence to IDEA and IEP compliance, serving as a champion for the diverse learning needs of students in alternative settings.
• Multi-Site Operations: Manage personnel, operational, and financial systems for six distinct locations to ensure a cohesive school identity.
• Strategic Partnerships: Act as the primary liaison between IPS and facility coordinators, navigating the balance between educational goals and facility security/medical protocols.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and drive student success through metrics tailored to alternative settings, including credit attainment, ILEARN/SAT performance, and graduation rates.
• Staff Development: Lead and evaluate teachers and support staff, clarifying roles within the residential facility context to maintain high staff retention and morale.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead efforts aligned to IPS priorities while adapting to the unique, transient nature of the student population.

Qualifications

• Applicable Indiana Administration and Supervision license.
• Master’s degree.
• A minimum of three years’ teaching experience and experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity.
• Preferred: Significant experience in Special Education leadership or Alternative Education settings.

Required Skills

• Leadership from an Equity Imperative: A deep belief that students in alternative placements deserve the same rigor and opportunity as those in traditional settings.
• Diplomatic Expertise: Exceptional ability to manage adult relationships and build coalitions with stakeholders who are not under your direct employ.
• Systems Mindset: The ability to maintain consistency in instruction and culture across multiple physical sites.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep experience with Special Education law, IEP processes, and the nuances of serving "at-promise" youth.
• Resilience: The ability to deal with emotional topics and complex variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
• Communication: Ability to speak effectively before diverse groups, including facility partners, IPS leadership, and legal/judicial stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Significant experience in Special Education leadership or Alternative Education settings.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Remote Work Eligibility: Not eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Disclaimer

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.

###

About Indianapolis Public Schools

At Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

Join Us

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.