Principal

ABOUT HOLY CROSS PREP:

Located in Delran, NJ, Holy Cross Preparatory Academy is a four-year, independent Catholic high school serving over 300 students in grades nine through twelve. As the only Catholic high school in Burlington County, the school draws students from a wide range of communities across South and Central New Jersey — including Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, and Cinnaminson — as well as from parts of Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer Counties, and neighboring areas of Bucks County (PA) and Northeast Philadelphia (PA). Governed by a jurisdictional Board of Trustees and operating under a President-Principal model, Holy Cross Prep is a mission-driven institution rooted in academic excellence, faith formation, and community.

Holy Cross Prep offers a distinctive and forward-thinking academic program designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. Its collegiate-style block schedule allows students to take four courses per semester, completing up to eight courses per year in an accelerated format that mirrors the pace and expectations of higher education. This structure not only strengthens time management and academic independence but also enables students to earn additional credits compared to traditional high school models.

To further support college and career readiness, the school introduced academic concentrations in STEM, medical sciences, arts, and business and entrepreneurship, allowing students to explore their interests as early as freshman year. Students may also remain undeclared as they discern their academic paths. Advanced Placement courses and a robust dual-credit program — offered in partnership with Holy Family University, Seton Hall University, and Rowan College at Burlington County — provide opportunities for students to earn college credits while still in high school. Additional partnerships with Mount Saint Mary’s University and Saint Joseph’s University offer guaranteed admission and scholarship opportunities for qualifying students.

Holy Cross Prep continues to distinguish itself through its innovative curriculum, extensive college course offerings, and integration of technology into everyday learning — exceeding regional academic standards. These advancements are grounded in a strong Catholic identity and a commitment to forming resilient leaders and lifelong learners.

The school is experiencing consistent enrollment growth and benefits from a strong culture of philanthropy, dedicated faculty and staff, and a supportive, family-oriented community. With the launch of its first comprehensive Strategic Plan (2025–2030), Holy Cross Prep is poised for continued growth and innovation. This bold vision focuses on strengthening academic excellence, deepening Catholic identity, enhancing student life, and advancing effective governance.

As Holy Cross Prep looks to the future, it seeks a dynamic chief academic officer to help bring this vision to life — guiding curriculum development, expanding student formation programs, and fostering a vibrant, faith-filled environment that prepares students to join a proud network of more than 16,000 Lancer alumni.

VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES:

The Vision, Mission, and Core Values of Holy Cross Preparatory Academy collectively articulate a clear and compelling identity rooted in faith, academic excellence, and holistic student formation. They reflect a commitment to developing young men and women who are intellectually prepared, spiritually grounded, and morally responsible. Grounded in the Catholic tradition, these guiding statements emphasize not only rigorous scholarship, but also character development, service to others, and a strong sense of community. Together, they serve as the foundation for all aspects of school life and provide a cohesive framework that informs decision-making, shapes culture, and inspires the next Principal to lead with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to the school’s mission.

• Vision: To serve as the premier Catholic institution for education and leadership in South Jersey and beyond.
• Mission: To inspire young men and women to become resilient leaders and lifelong learners through wisdom and holiness.
• Core Values: Compassion, Respect, Ownership, Spirituality, and Service.
• Accreditation: Cognia

QUICK FACTS:

• 300 Students, Grades 9-12
• 35 Faculty and Staff
• 14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
• 1:1 Technology Program
• 20+ Academic, Service, and Visual/Performing Arts Clubs
• 72% Participation in Athletics
• $16.3M in Awards Earned by the Class of 2025

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Holy Cross Preparatory Academy invites mission-driven, visionary leaders to apply for the position of Principal, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. This is a rare opportunity to lead a Catholic high school at a defining moment in its history. Over the past several years, Holy Cross Prep has demonstrated measurable growth in enrollment, advancement, and programmatic development. With a clear Strategic Plan already in motion, the school is now entering its next phase — bringing that vision to life through a Master Campus Plan and an upcoming Feasibility Study, which will lead into the most significant capital investment in the school’s history. The next Principal will inherit a school with strong momentum and will play a central role in shaping its academic vision, strengthening its Catholic identity, and guiding it through a period of transformational growth. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Principal serves as the chief academic officer of Holy Cross Preparatory Academy and is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and execution of the school’s academic and student life programs. Reporting directly to the President, the Principal works collaboratively with senior leadership to advance the mission of the school, ensure academic excellence, and foster a vibrant Catholic school culture. The Principal directly oversees faculty, academic programming, student life, school counseling, and campus ministry, while serving as a key member of the President’s leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic Leadership & Innovation - Provide strategic leadership for all academic programs, ensuring rigor, relevance, and alignment with the school’s mission. Advance innovative programming that supports student growth and attracts prospective families. Oversee curriculum development, program evaluation, and continuous academic improvement. Utilize data and outcomes (e.g., standardized testing, college placement) to inform decision-making and strengthen performance.

• Faculty & Staff Leadership - Recruit, develop, supervise, and evaluate a high-performing faculty and academic leadership team. Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, and collaboration. Serve as the chief architect of faculty professional development. Partner with Human Resources to ensure strong staffing, retention, and employee engagement.

• Student Life & Formation - Oversee student life, discipline, co-curricular programming, and Catholic identity. Ensure a safe, structured, and supportive environment conducive to student growth. Collaborate with the Dean of Students and counseling team to support the holistic development of each student.

• Catholic Identity & Mission Integration - Serve as a visible and active leader in promoting the Catholic identity of the school. Partner with Campus Ministry to foster meaningful faith formation opportunities. Ensure that Catholic values are integrated across academic, co-curricular, and community life. Support liturgical life, retreats, and service programming that deepen students’ spiritual development.

• Institutional Leadership & Strategy - Collaborate with the President to advance the school’s Strategic Plan. Play a key role in implementing the Strategic Plan and preparing for future campaigns. Contribute to enrollment strategy by engaging with prospective families and representing the school externally. Support accreditation processes and ensure alignment with all applicable policies and standards.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

• Practicing Catholic in communion with the Church.
• Faith-filled and Christ-centered servant leader.
• Educational leader who embraces, models, and champions the values of Catholic education.
• Holds a Master degree or Doctorate degree in Education (or related field).
• Holds a certificate in educational administration or equivalent (encouraged).
• Demonstrates a deep instructional commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church.
• Proven experience in educational leadership, preferably in a Catholic or mission-driven school.
• Strong academic credentials and a track record of advancing academic excellence.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to lead through growth, change, and strategic initiatives.
• A collaborative leadership style aligned with a President-Principal governance model.
• A data-informed and student-centered approach to decision-making.

THE NEXT CHAPTER:

Holy Cross Preparatory Academy is advancing with clarity, purpose, and momentum. With a Strategic Plan guiding its direction and a Master Campus Plan shaping its future, the school is entering a transformational period of growth and opportunity. The next Principal will play a central role in this journey — helping to shape the student experience, strengthen academic excellence, and ensure that Holy Cross Prep continues to thrive for generations to come.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Candidates are invited to submit the following materials to Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Sandy Kapica, at skapica@hcprep.org.

• A cover letter expressing interest in the role and how your leadership will help advance the mission.
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae.
• A statement of educational philosophy, particularly as it relates to Catholic, college preparatory education.
• A list of five professional references (who will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission).