2026-27 Head of School - Flagship MS

Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools (www.freedomprep.org) is a network of PreK-12 free public charter schools serving students in Memphis, TN, and Birmingham, AL. Our mission is to prepare all students in grades PreK-12 to excel in college and in life. Since our founding in 2009, we have grown from a class of 96 sixth grade students to now serving over 1950 students across multiple campuses. In 2024, we expanded into Birmingham, AL, starting with grades K-1, with plans to grow to a K-5 campus. 

At Freedom Prep, we are committed to transforming education for students across the South, ensuring they have access to high-quality educational opportunities that empower them to thrive. Over the past 15 years, our students have consistently exceeded both local and state averages in math and have surpassed local benchmarks in English Language Arts on state assessments. Our mission is guided by three core beliefs: every child deserves the right to a high-quality public education, character development is essential to student success, and exposure to diverse opportunities builds the confidence and skills needed to excel in college and in life.

At Freedom Prep, we cultivate a structured, academically rigorous environment that fosters excellence in core subjects, promotes advanced academic skills, and encourages students to embody the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community.

The Head of School is the school’s instructional leader, providing leadership and management to maximize the efforts of teachers and students in an environment which is conducive to educational enhancement, growth and achievement for students.The position is responsible for directing all daily operations of the school campus, supervising and coordinating the work of all instructional and non- instructional personnel, ensuring subordinates' adherence to local and state policies, regulations and goals, preparing required reports, and performing other professional, administrative and supervisory work as required. 

• Communicate the school’s vision and implement a plan to consistently achieve that vision.

• Oversee, continually evaluate and remain accountable for all school programs, finances, facilities, and operations through the management and oversight of all day-to-day activities of the school.

• Develops and implements the school budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Operations.

• Oversee school-wide strategic planning including the implementation of a strategic fundraising plan.

• Ensures compliance with school charter and with requirements set forth by the Shelby County School District (e.g. Accountability plan, budget reports, annual report).

• Ensures school compliance with the requirements of local, state and federal accreditation standards and regulations.

• Observes classroom environment and makes recommendations for improvement in instruction and class management as appropriate.

• Oversees faculty and staff evaluation, supervision, retention and dismissalLead with the Academic Dean school-wide faculty and staff meetings.

• Collaborates with Academic Dean concerning all teaching, special needs, and office staff.

• Oversees student recruitment and enrollmentCollaborates with Academic Dean concerning student achievement and student assessment (internal and external).

• Collaborates with Academic Dean concerning student discipline cases regarding withdrawal.

• Promotes the school in the community and in the media.

• Builds and maintains relationships with the community and organizations external to the school.

• Attends training, conferences and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

• Works an extended school day to allow for collaboration, professional development, and ample communication with parents and other staff members.

• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Governed by the Rules and Regulations of the Tennessee Code Annotated The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required from accredited college or university.

Master’s Degree preferred from accredited college or university.

State certification in Administration/Supervision at the elementary and/or secondary level, Educational Leadership, or an equivalent certification as defined by the TN Department of Education. TN Professional Educator License TN Professional Educator License required

Considered highly-qualified based on NCLB guidelines

• 4 years experience as an effective classroom teacher

• 3 years experience in leading and/or coaching teachers 

• 2 years experience as an Assistant Head of School role

• A capacity to motivate and lead instructional staff in order to yield the highest academic performance possible from all students.

• A team-oriented approach and the ability to effectively set and communicate goals for the team.

• Ability to give constructive feedback to facilitate student growth and academic achievement.

• Openness to receive feedback on issues that will facilitate growth and achievement of both students and faculty.

• Experience with educating/mentoring urban youth.

• Experience managing and leading adults. 

• Successful manager of an urban classroom who has used structure, incentives, and high expectations to drive student success.

• Experienced classroom teacher with demonstrated, quantifiable and objective student performance gains that surpass state or local averages.

Energy and entrepreneurial spirit for the charter school environment.

Unwavering in the pursuit of excellence even in the face of difficult opposition and challenges.

Results-driven educational leader with a commitment to standards-based curriculum and the use of data and assessments to drive instructional decisions.

Good problem-solving ability and good judgment.

Familiarity with cultural diversity Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community members. 

Ability to be creative, resourceful, and reflective. 

Excellent communication skills with diverse constituents; clear writer, facilitator and speaker and eagerness to collaborate.

Possess strong interpersonal skills. 

Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, detail-driven work style with excellent organizational skills

We are excited that you are inspired or called to learn more about our mission, values, and potential opportunities. We’d encourage you to explore a few additional resources about us, the recent investment for what’s possible, and why you should consider our community as a place for you to become a part of. We are one of the few networks that centers the whole person and their needs to thrive and support themselves and their families in the South.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION: At Freedom Prep, we prioritize transparency in everything we do. We believe that open communication fosters trust and collaboration. As part of this commitment, we make our salary scales available online for you to view, ensuring clarity and fairness in our compensation practices. You can view our compensation scales on our website. Please click HEREto be redirected.

Check out some of the unique and rare benefits here, including but not limited to: 

-Paying higher, scaffolded teacher salaries from Year 1 to retirement stage

-Zero dollar monthly premium options, including holistic options such as chiropractic or acupuncture care (TN ONLY)

-Focus on staff well-being and collective care through our Adult Social-Emotional Learning

-Support in obtaining licensure

OUR COMMITMENT: Freedom Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build an experienced team of educators. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer.