Founding Principal
Quick answer
Rocketship Public Schools is hiring a full-time Founding Principal in LaVergne and Smyrna, TN, to lead the launch and long-term success of a new elementary charter school.
- Role
- Founding Principal
- Organization
- Rocketship Public Schools
- Location
- LaVergne and Smyrna, TN
- Work setup
- On-site
- Level
- Senior
- Category
- Leadership & Executive
The role
Rocketship Public Schools is seeking a visionary Founding Principal to lead the launch of a new elementary charter school in Rutherford County, Tennessee, for the 2027-2028 school year. The selected candidate will begin in summer 2026, dedicating the first year to planning, community outreach, family recruitment, and operational readiness. Once opened, the Principal will be responsible for building an exceptional team, fostering a rigorous school culture, and managing all campus operations. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial educator to shape the future of a new school from the ground up.
What you'll do
- Engage deeply with the Rocketship model and school systems.
- Lead community outreach and family recruitment efforts in Tennessee.
- Build foundational partnerships with local organizations, educators, and families.
- Manage site selection, enrollment planning, hiring, and operational readiness.
- Establish a joyful and rigorous school culture as the founding leader.
What it takes
- Current or former principal or assistant principal experience.
- Proven track record of leading adults to achieve exceptional student outcomes.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
- Strong strategic thinking and disciplined execution skills.
- Commitment to equity and eliminating the achievement gap.
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this position located?
This role is based in Rutherford County, specifically serving the LaVergne and Smyrna areas of Tennessee.
What is the compensation for this role?
The compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience; however, a specific salary range is not disclosed in the posting.
What are the primary qualifications for this role?
The ideal candidate is a current or former principal or assistant principal with a proven track record of driving student outcomes and the entrepreneurial ability to build a school from the ground up.
When does the role start?
The Founding Principal is expected to join Rocketship Public Schools in the summer of 2026 to begin the one-year planning and preparation phase.
How to apply
Apply directly on Rocketship Public Schools's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Rocketship Public Schools's official posting before applying.