Elementary School Principal (2026 - 2027)

About Stem School Highlands Ranch

At STEM School Highlands Ranch, we place innovation at the heart of learning to unleash the potential of all students and prepare them for an exponentially changing world. As a K-12 public charter school in the Douglas County School District, we are committed to creating an environment that fosters respect, success, and continuous improvement. We welcome you to join us in our mission to redefine limits and unleash potential. 

Our Core Values:

Prioritize Students – Every decision we make is focused on ensuring students thrive, lead, and succeed. The community that surrounds students exists for the purpose of their growth and development.

Build a Strong Community – We are more than a school, we are a community. We all have equal value and seek to encourage each other to maximize our unique strengths, gifts, and passions. The true power of a charter school is in the strength of its community.

Do Right, Always – Honesty, trust, and ethical decision-making guide our actions, fostering respect, accountability, and a safe environment, even in challenging circumstances or when recognition is absent.

Embrace Innovation – Never Stop Innovating. Innovation thrives on continuous growth, bold problem-solving, and a willingness to push boundaries, transforming ideas into meaningful progress.

Take Steady Steps – We play the long game with people and projects by implementing strategic planning, clear communication, systems and process, ample resources, and appropriate pacing - setting a strong foundation for a supportive environment for our community to thrive.

Lead With Care – Dedicated to making a difference through personal ownership, care, and compassion, creates lasting impact in our students, colleagues, and community.

Elevate the Standard – A commitment to continuous growth, where skills are refined, applied, and adapted to achieve the highest standards and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.

Laugh Together – Having fun makes the team work! Creating an environment where joy is encouraged. Strengthens our teams, fosters a positive culture, and fuels creativity, making everyone feel valued, energized, and motivated to contribute.

Benefits:

STEM School Highlands Ranch offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance (available on the 1st of the following month).Short-term, long-term disability, life, and ADD insurance (available six months from hire date).Retirement benefits including PERA pension and 401K employee-only contribution managed through Colorado’s PERA program.Other benefits include FSA (medical and dependent care), Pet Insurance, Sick Time, and PTO based on years of servicePosition Overview:

We are seeking a passionate, visionary, and student-centered Elementary School Principal to lead our elementary program for the 2026–2027 school year. The Principal will serve as the instructional leader of the school, fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and strong community partnerships.

In this role, you will inspire staff and students by championing high-quality instruction, including our problem-based learning (PBL) model, while supporting the intellectual and personal development of every child. The Principal is responsible for overseeing curriculum implementation, staff development, school culture, and operational effectiveness to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Leadership and Curriculum DevelopmentLead the implementation of the school’s instructional model, including problem-based learning (PBL), aligned to state standards.Ensure teachers and students are planning and preparing for spring STEM student showcase. Support teachers in planning and delivering rigorous, engaging curriculum that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.Monitor instructional practices and provide meaningful feedback to ensure continuous improvement.Analyze student achievement data to drive instructional decisions and school-wide improvement efforts.Student Achievement and SupportEnsure the success of all students by promoting high academic expectations and equitable access to learning.Oversee systems for assessing student progress toward mastery of standards.Support intervention and enrichment programs to meet diverse learning needs.Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive school climate that supports students’ academic and social-emotional growth.Staff Supervision and DevelopmentRecruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate certified and classified staff.Foster a collaborative professional culture focused on continuous growth and excellence.Lead professional development aligned to school goals and instructional priorities.Support staff in deepening pedagogical content knowledge and strengthening PBL implementation.School Culture and Community EngagementEstablish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school culture.Ensure effective implementation of school policies and student discipline systems.Communicate regularly and effectively with families, staff, and the broader community.Build strong partnerships with parents and guardians to support student success. Ensure successful transition from enrollment phase to school community member Support the planning and successful execution of key community-building events.Enrollment and Re-enrollmentParticipate in and support student recruitment efforts, including campus tours, family information sessions, and community outreach events.Support systems that promote strong teacher–student relationships, meaningful classroom engagement, and high-quality instruction that contributes to student re-enrollment.Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and achievement-oriented school culture that attracts and re-enrolls students and families.Philanthropy and Accelerator Fund Support Support the school’s culture of philanthropy by helping promote and participate in the Annual Accelerator Fund, which supports programs, student experiences, and innovation.Collaborate with school leadership to help communicate the impact of philanthropic support on students, programs, and school initiatives.Participate in community engagement opportunities that help strengthen relationships with families, alumni, and community partners.Help highlight student success stories, projects, and outcomes that demonstrate the impact of community investment in the school.Operations and ComplianceOversee daily school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, safety procedures, and compliance with district and state regulations.Ensure adherence to all state and federal requirements, including those related to student services and staff licensure.Maintain accurate records and reporting systems as required.Qualifications RequiredMaster’s degree or higher in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.Valid state principal license or eligibility for licensure.Minimum of three years of successful teaching experience; prior leadership experience preferred.Demonstrated knowledge of elementary literacy and mathematics instruction.Strong understanding of data-driven instruction and school improvement planning.

Preferred:

Experience with problem-based learning (PBL).Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Google Suite.Colorado READ Act knowledge and implementation experience.Essential Physical RequirementsOccasional lifting of 5 to 50 pounds.Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.Ability to move quickly throughout the building and campus.Frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, and sitting. ScheduleDay shiftMonday to FridaySchool Year: 2026–2027

This position will remain open until filled, but will not be open past: May 31, 2026.

The pay range for this role is:97,836 - 143,096 USD per year(Main)