Assistant Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer (CAO) at The Cottonwood School
About the Employer
The Cottonwood School offers dynamic homeschooling pathways for TK-12: a uniquely personalized, whole-learner approach that nurtures academic, social, and emotional achievement. The Cottonwood school is a tuition-free, public charter school serving transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade students in Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento Counties. We take an integrative approach that education is more than academic learning. We understand that a rich education includes social and emotional development as well as a strong academic foundation. Our Homestudy Pathway fosters holistic learning through the many activities and events we offer each month—field trips, workshops, hands-on, experiential activities. Our Cottonwood College Prep Academy is a hybrid on-site High School Pathway that offers Montessori-inspired project-based learning that encourages collaboration and creativity. At The Cottonwood School, we envision a world where students flourish, communities thrive, and staff are fulfilled.
Job Summary
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Superintendent, this position provides senior-level leadership and executive oversight for the school’s instructional programs, including curriculum, instruction, counseling services, and student academic success initiatives. This position leads cross-departmental initiatives and ensures that academic systems and instructional practices effectively support the school’s mission, strategic vision, and continued growth. Serving as a strategic partner to the Superintendent and Board of Directors, this position translates organizational priorities into high-quality instructional systems that support student achievement and continuous academic improvement. This position communicates and interprets information regarding The Cottonwood School’s academic programs, policies, goals, and procedures. This position develops and oversees effective, compliant, and forward-thinking instructional systems that support Cottonwood’s continued academic growth and program quality. This position ensures that key academic functions, including curriculum development, instructional quality, academic support services, and counseling, operate cohesively using the Leadership Challenge model and in alignment with federal, state, and charter requirements. This position also oversees the full employee lifecycle for assigned academic departments, including recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, evaluation, and discipline, in accordance with TCS policies.
Requirements / Qualifications
Application Requirements: Please upload the following Required Documents in the Upload Additional Files: Copy of Credentials (If applicable) Transcripts (If applicable) 2 Letters of Recommendation (dated within 2 years) Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution Valid California Administrative Services Credential or current enrollment in an approved Administrative Services Credential program Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in education, including leadership experience in instructional programs, curriculum, or academic systems Demonstrated experience leading instructional programs, curriculum development, and academic initiatives that improve student outcomes Experience supervising and developing instructional leadership staff (e.g., Directors, Associate Directors, or equivalent roles) Experience using student performance data and assessment systems to guide decision-making and improve instructional effectiveness Knowledge of California state standards, graduation requirements, and accountability systems Employment Requirements AB 2534 Verification Background Clearance Tuberculosis Clearance (Risk Assessment or Skin Test) I-9 Verification (Appropriate US Work Permits as required) Complete Required Mandatory Trainings for School Employees
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field. Experience in a charter school or independent study environment Experience overseeing TK–12 academic programs across multiple grade levels or program types Experience leading large-scale instructional initiatives or organizational change efforts Experience working with governing boards, including presenting academic data and program outcomes Experience aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems across departments
Requirements / Qualifications
Application Requirements: Please upload the following Required Documents in the Upload Additional Files: Copy of Credentials (If applicable) Transcripts (If applicable) 2 Letters of Recommendation (dated within 2 years) Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution Valid California Administrative Services Credential or current enrollment in an approved Administrative Services Credential program Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in education, including leadership experience in instructional programs, curriculum, or academic systems Demonstrated experience leading instructional programs, curriculum development, and academic initiatives that improve student outcomes Experience supervising and developing instructional leadership staff (e.g., Directors, Associate Directors, or equivalent roles) Experience using student performance data and assessment systems to guide decision-making and improve instructional effectiveness Knowledge of California state standards, graduation requirements, and accountability systems Employment Requirements AB 2534 Verification Background Clearance Tuberculosis Clearance (Risk Assessment or Skin Test) I-9 Verification (Appropriate US Work Permits as required) Complete Required Mandatory Trainings for School Employees
Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field. Experience in a charter school or independent study environment Experience overseeing TK–12 academic programs across multiple grade levels or program types Experience leading large-scale instructional initiatives or organizational change efforts Experience working with governing boards, including presenting academic data and program outcomes Experience aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems across departments
Application Deadline
Until Filled
Date Posted
6/1/2026
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$174,000.00 - $204,000.00 Annually
$174,000.00 - $204,000.00 Annually
Length of Work Year
220
Employment Type
Full Time