Principal - Miami Gardens/ North Dade Area

Job Description

Job Description

Organization: BridgePrep Academy & SMART Management

Position: Principal

Location: Miami Gardens/ North Dade areas

Organization Description

SMART Management is a full-service education management company powering Pre-K–12 charter school networks across Florida. SMART believes every school is a unique learning environment, and the team works alongside school leaders and governing boards to build the systems needed for long-term success. BridgePrep Academy is the largest school network managed by SMART Management and consists of 21 schools. BridgePrep Academy's mission is to provide a challenging academic curriculum that includes an extended Spanish language program. Candidates may learn more about SMART at smartmgnt.com or BridgePrep Academy at bridgeprepacademy.com.

Job Description

The Principal is the instructional and cultural leader of the school, responsible for ensuring strong student achievement, effective teaching practices, a safe and positive school climate, and operational excellence. Reporting to the VP of Schools, the Principal manages all aspects of the campus, including instruction, staff development, student supports, parent engagement, operations, budget and compliance.

The Principal builds and leads a high-performing team, implements curriculum with fidelity, ensures strong learning environments, and drives the systems that lead to exceptional academic and operational outcomes. This role requires a dynamic instructional leader who can inspire teachers, hold high expectations, build effective systems, and cultivate a school culture where every student is known, supported, and successful.

Key Activities

Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Implementation

• Ensure every classroom delivers rigorous, standards-aligned instruction monitoring the curriculum, pacing, assessments and instructional framework.
• Lead weekly coaching cycles for teachers, instructional staff and admin team.
• Conduct weekly walkthroughs and provide real-time feedback to improve teaching.
• Manage and coach Assistant Principals and Instructional Coaches.
• Ensure full ESE and 504 compliance and high-quality inclusion practices.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Lead weekly data meetings with admin/teachers to analyze student performance and plan instructional adjustments.
• Implement timely reteach plans and targeted intervention lessons.
• Monitor progress toward academic goals and create intervention plans when students are off track.

Culture & Climate

• Build a warm, structured, safe, and joyful school environment.
• Implement consistent behavioral expectations and a strong discipline system.
• Manage and coach Dean of Operations to ensure safety and cleanliness of the building.
• Engage families as partners in student learning through clear communication and regular updates.

Talent Management

• Hire and onboard high-quality teachers and staff.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and ongoing coaching.
• Maintain a positive, professional staff culture with high engagement and teacher retention.
• Managing leadership team to deliver results (e.g. Dean of Operations leading recruitment and FTE)

Finance

• Ensure staffing allocations align to enrollment, FTE projections, and academic priorities.
• Make data-informed decisions around resource allocation (interventions, staffing, materials, programs)
• Ensure responsible use of funds and adherence to all financial policies and controls.
• Aim to end the year with a 3% positive fund balance.

Operations

• Ensure smooth daily campus operations that support a safe, orderly, and instructionally focused learning environment.
• Partner with the Dean of Operations to oversee enrollment, attendance, FTE reporting, scheduling, transportation, NSLP, and facilities.
• Maintain high standards for campus safety, cleanliness, and facility readiness.
• Ensure full compliance with district, state, and charter requirements, including audits and reporting deadlines.
• Lead crisis response and emergency preparedness, ensuring staff are trained and protocols are followed.

Mission

Ensure every classroom provides rigorous, student-centered learning and that all students receive the instruction, support, and culture they need to achieve academic success and personal growth.

Success in Year 1:

• School improves a school letter grade (A schools maintain the A)
• Hit enrollment target on FTE1 in October & FTE2 in February
• 90% Student Persistence
• 85% on Grade Level in Reading Mastery (K-2)
• 85% Teacher Retention

• 100% of graduates accepted to a college or university (High School)
• 100% of juniors and seniors take ACT, SAT, CLE exams

Cultural Fit

• And How Are the Children?: When we make decisions, we first consider the impact on students.
• Big Rocks First: We focus our energy towards the most important work.
• Own It: We embrace our responsibilities.
• Expect More: We believe that all children can and will learn.
• Results Matter: We assess students consistently & review the data.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: VP of Schools

Manages: Admin team and Teachers

Collaborates with: Network Team and Campus Staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (Master’s preferred)
• At least 3+ years of teaching experience
• 3+ years of leadership experience; proven track record of achieving success and leading others

Reference Checks

All final candidates for this position will be asked to arrange three reference checks one of which must be with a former manager.

Background Screening Requirement
This position requires successful completion of a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, in accordance with House Bill 531 (2025).

Applicants may review additional information about the Clearinghouse and screening process here:
https://info.flclearinghouse.com