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 provide strategic leadership for our academic program and cultivate a learning environment where all students are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed. This role is ideal for a collaborative, student-centred leader who brings a forward-thinking approach to teaching and learning and thrives in a creative and dynamic educational setting. The Academic Principal will champion academic excellence, drive innovation in curriculum and instructional practice, and advance learning environments that reflect NBS's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Working closely with faculty and school leaders, the Academic Principal will help shape a responsive, future-focused academic program that supports the diverse strengths, experiences, and learning needs of every student.

About Us:
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.

The Role:
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 high-performing learning environment that reflects the School’s mission, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• 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

Major Duties and Responsibilities
As Academic Principal, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of the academic school, including: 

• Providing strategic leadership for the academic program, fostering innovation and creativity in curriculum design while partnering with the Artistic Director to deliver a seamless educational experience that supports the intellectual, artistic, and personal development of every child
• 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 students
• Serving as an ambassador for the academic program with parents, educational institutions, government agencies, and the broader community
• Occasionally teaching classes, supervising exams, and supporting day-to-day school operations as needed

Qualifications/Skills/Experience
More than anything, we are looking for passion – for someone looking for a calling in life and not just a job; some of the qualifications below are of keen interest as well: 

Education:

• Master's degree in Education
• Principal's Qualification Program (Parts 1 and 2)
• Member of the Ontario College of Teachers

Experience:

• Previous experience as an effective Principal or Vice Principal; successful teaching experience at the elementary and/or secondary levels
• Experience and knowledge of innovative approaches to cutting-edge teaching practices, to include self-directed and experiential learning

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to design innovative, integrated learning experiences that honour the interconnectedness of students' academic and artistic development
• Strong knowledge of Ontario curriculum, Ministry requirements, and private school operations
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and student-centred learning
• Exceptional leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
• The ability to inspire educators, engage families, and support students in achieving ambitious goals

Compensation
Salary Range: $120,000 - 150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity.

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility
NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization including programs, policies and practices. It is NBS’ top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS

Please note : This role is for an existing vacancy