Academic Principal

Are you an experienced educational leader with a strong passion for student learning, critical thinking, academic excellence, and inclusive education? At Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS), every role contributes to a larger purpose, and we invite you to be part of it. NBS is seeking an Academic Principal to lead our academic program and foster a learning environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

This role is ideal for a collaborative, student-centred leader who is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and who thrives in a creative and dynamic educational setting. The Academic Principal will champion academic excellence while advancing inclusive practices that support the diverse identities, experiences, and learning needs of our students.

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is one of the country’s leading arts and education institutions, dedicated to excellence in ballet training, academic instruction, and community engagement. With over 300 employees, NBS supports a wide range of programs that span professional dance training, health and wellness initiatives, and outreach across Canada. For more than 65 years, NBS has been a national leader in dance education, driven by a commitment to inclusion, innovation, and the transformative power of the arts.

We strive to create an environment where students and staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven community.

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Academic Principal provides strategic and operational leadership for the School’s academic program, ensuring the delivery of a rigorous student-centered education that complements intensive ballet training and supports students’ long-term academic, personal, and career success. Responsible for approximately 175 highly motivated Canadian and international students enrolled in grades 6 to 12, the Principal oversees academic programming and operations, staff leadership, and student achievement while ensuring compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Education requirements, including the granting of credits and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (O.S.S.D.).

As a member of the student-facing leadership team (Bridge Group), the Academic Principal contributes to policy, strategic planning, and the advancement of a safe, inclusive, and high-performing learning environment that reflects the School’s mission, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• You lead a unique academic program that supports aspiring ballet artists while maintaining the highest standards of educational excellence
• You shape an inclusive learning environment that inspires exploration, creativity, curiosity, and confidence to flourish, where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed
• You mentor a dedicated team of educators and champion innovative, inclusive teaching practices
• You make a meaningful impact within a collaborative community committed to excellence, creativity, and lifelong learning
• You directly influence curriculum innovation, student success strategies, and the future direction of a nationally recognized institution
• No two days are the same—this is a dynamic role where you can truly make an impact

• Leading the academic program for students in Grades 6–12 and ensuring compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements
• Supporting student achievement through curriculum development, course planning, graduation requirements, academic guidance, and credit granting
• Recruiting, mentoring, developing, and evaluating a team of talented educators
• Creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing learning culture for students and staff
• Partnering closely with artistic, health, and residential leaders to support student well-being and success
• Building strong relationships with students, families, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders
• Overseeing Ontario Student Records (OSRs), transcripts, reporting, attendance, and academic administration
• Ensuring safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments for all…