Founding Principal; AMS . Smith

Position: Founding Principal (AMS Ft. Smith) 2027-2028 School Year
We're excited to provide the best education in the best environment to our students!

Academies of Math and Science – Ft. Smith Founding Principal

Reports To:

Director of Schools

Location:

3510 North Ave, Ft. Smith, Arkansas Expected Start:
Fall 2026

Salary Range: $95,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience

Position Summary Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is seeking a Founding Principal to lead the launch of AMS Ft. Smith.

This role offers a unique opportunity to establish a high-performing public charter school from the ground up, serving students and families in underserved communities.

The Founding Principal will be responsible for setting the instructional vision, building school culture, and leading all aspects of school development in partnership with AMS network leadership. This position requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, and community-centered leader with a strong track record in instructional leadership, staff development, and student achievement.

About Academies of Math and Science Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is a network of high-performing K–8 public charter schools serving communities across Arizona, Arkansas, and Nevada. AMS is committed to providing students with access to high-quality educational opportunities and creating school environments grounded in high expectations, strong instruction, accountability, and student support.

Key Responsibilities Vision, Strategy & School Development Collaborate with AMS leadership to develop and implement a clear instructional and operational vision aligned with AMS's mission and academic model.

Contribute to the charter application process, including academic programming, governance, and operational planning.

Support school site selection and facility design to ensure alignment with instructional and student needs.

Instructional & Academic Leadership Implement rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and instructional practices to drive high levels of student achievement.

Establish systems for data-driven instruction, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Lead the development of a strong school culture grounded in high expectations, accountability, and student support.

Talent & Team Leadership Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop high-quality instructional and operational staff.

Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to build teacher capacity and leadership pipelines.

Foster a collaborative, results-oriented staff culture.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with families, community organizations, and local stakeholders.

Serve as the public-facing leader of AMS Ft. Smith, representing the school within the community.

Establish family engagement systems that support student success and school sustainability.

Founding Principal Training Requirement The successful candidate will be required to complete an extensive onboarding and leadership development program at existing AMS schools and support offices in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. This immersive training is a critical part of preparing to launch and lead AMS Ft. Smith.

Candidates should expect to spend multiple extended periods in Phoenix, potentially lasting several weeks at a time, working alongside experienced AMS principals, instructional leaders, and operational staff. While opportunities to return home between training assignments will be available, applicants must be willing and able to travel and temporarily reside in the Phoenix area for these training periods.

This requirement is considered an essential function of the position.

Required Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree required;
Master's degree preferred.

Holds or is eligible to obtain an Arkansas Administrator/Principal License.

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