Principal | Founding Middle School | ECPA

About Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men

Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men (ECPA) is New Haven’s first dedicated middle school for young men. Our mission is to develop resourceful, resilient, and responsible young men who think critically, lead ethically, and contribute positively to their communities. ECPA provides a rigorous academic experience that fosters mastery of learning while preparing students to navigate real-world choices with confidence and integrity.

Through exposure to entrepreneurial thinking, leadership development, and hands‑on learning opportunities, our young men cultivate the skills and mindsets necessary to excel in high school, college, and beyond.

ECPA is seeking a dynamic and mission‑driven Founding Years Principal to lead the school into its next chapter, taking the baton from Year 1 and building upon the early foundation established with our inaugural 5th and 6th grade cohorts. As the instructional and cultural leader, the Founding Years Principal will create the conditions for students, staff, and families to thrive as the school continues to grow into Year 2 and beyond.

In this role, the Founding Years Principal will coach and develop teachers and emerging leaders to drive rigorous, engaging instruction and cultivate strong classroom cultures where young men feel known, supported, and challenged to achieve at the highest levels. The principal will partner closely with staff and families to instill in students the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills necessary for success in high school, college, and beyond.

This opportunity is ideal for a reflective, growth‑oriented leader who thrives on feedback, embraces continuous learning, and is adept at building and executing strong systems. The Founding Years Principal will play a pivotal role in shaping a school where young men of color excel academically, socially, and personally.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of visionary leadership, operational expertise, and instructional acumen to drive student achievement and ensure the long‑term sustainability and success of a growing school community.

As the new Founding Years Principal at ECPA, you will be responsible for leading the school into its next chapter and ensuring that all students experience a culture of excellence, belonging, and opportunity. Core responsibilities include:

• Establish and drive a clear, ambitious vision grounded in high expectations, deep belonging, and transformative learning.
• Build and sustain a structured, student‑centered culture where young men develop confidence, leadership, and resilience.
• Champion restorative practices, SEL, and character development.
• Anticipate and respond to school‑wide challenges with proactive, solutions‑oriented leadership.

• Inspire and manage educators to uphold strong classroom cultures and high academic and behavioral expectations.
• Model a growth‑oriented mindset as a leader who is reflective, feedback‑seeking, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Support Elevate's Talent Team in recruiting, hiring, onboarding and retaining mission‑aligned educators.
• Cultivate a high‑performance adult culture rooted in trust, accountability, and evolutionary learning.

• Ensure strong command and implementation of a rigorous, engaging, college‑preparatory curriculum aligned to both Elevate's and ECPA’s mission and values.
• Use data to monitor progress and ensure all learners — especially those furthest from opportunity — achieve at high levels.
• Lead coaching, professional development, and instructional improvement cycles.
• Build and refine academic and intervention systems that accelerate achievement.

• Design and implement systems and routines that maximize instructional time and school‑wide efficiency.
• Manage budget, resources, and staffing needs in collaboration with ECS leadership.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead a high‑functioning leadership team to drive instructional and cultural…