API (Aspiring Principal Institute)

API (Aspiring Principal Institute) focuses on instructional leadership, operational management, finance and communication. Attendees receive preparation for key responsibilities including finance, human resources, legal, culture and performance. They receive instruction through experiential learning, small group collaboration, presentations and simulations. There are sessions covering assessment, reflection, goal-setting, advisement and personal leadership philosophy.

Program Overview: A year-long, rigorous curriculum specifically designed to prepare experienced assistant principals for the transition to the principalship.

Eligibility Requirements: GCS assistant principals and administrative assistants, preferably with at least three years of administrative experience. Applicants are selected on the basis of their experience and interest, a formal interview, and response to a leadership challenge. Applications open in March of each year.    

Purpose: To deepen leadership knowledge in areas of instructional leadership, operational management, and strategic communication.

How Will I Learn? Monthly seminars and full-day experiences covering finance, human resources, legal issues, and school culture. Activities include shadowing principals at other school sites and engaging in simulated practice based on authentic school leadership challenges.

Outcomes: Graduates are highly prepared for principal roles; approximately 85% of internal principal promotions in GCS are API graduates.