ACHS High School Principal Search
Michael Burch Promoted to Serve as Alexandria City High School Principal
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Michael Burch takes on the role of Alexandria City High School (ACHS) principal, effective July 1, 2026. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring instructional excellence, operational coherence and a unified high school experience, serving a diverse student population across four campuses. As high school principal, Burch represents ACHS, building strong partnerships with students, families, community organizations, higher education institutions, local businesses and civic leaders.
Burch joined Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in 2010 and is a results-oriented educational leader. With over 30 years of experience in education, Burch has a proven ability to successfully lead and manage complex operations, improve student outcomes, and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Previously, Burch was ACHS’ lead administrator of school improvement and operations and lead administrator for operations and student support at the King Street Campus. Burch also served ACHS as assistant principal, testing coordinator, assistant athletic director, and physical education, health and driver education teacher.
Burch received his Bachelor of Science in education (physical education) and his Master of Science in education, curriculum and instruction, and physical education at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He earned post-master certification in educational leadership and administration at The George Washington University. At Texas Woman’s University, Burch took doctoral classes in sports management. He has certifications in administration and supervision preK-12, and in driver education, health and physical education preK-12.
Burch is a proud U.S. Army veteran. Prior to coming to ACPS, he was head volleyball coach at Radford University and West Virginia Wesleyan College, and assistant volleyball coach at Texas Woman’s University and Virginia Tech. He also was previously a teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia and a teaching assistant at Virginia Tech.
Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as the next high school principal of Alexandria City High School (ACHS)—the largest high school in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the school whose legacy inspired the film Remember the Titans. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead one of the most diverse and vibrant high school communities in the nation.
The high school principal will serve as the school’s instructional leader and public ambassador, championing a clear vision for student success across ACHS’ four campuses. In this role, the high school principal will foster a strong school culture, guide the daily pursuit of instructional excellence, and lead the school improvement planning process in alignment with ACPS’ strategic priorities and best practices.
This position reports to the Executive Director of School Leadership within the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership and plays a critical role in shaping the educational experiences and future opportunities of thousands of students.
Search Timeline
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March 16, 2026 - Job description posted.
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March 18, 2026 - Stakeholder survey opens.
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March 23, 2026 - Survey closes.
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March 27, 2026 - Leadership profile posted.
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April 2026 - Application review; First and Second Round Interviews.
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May 2026 - Virtual Community Meet and Greet Sessions, Superintendent Interview.
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June 11, 2026 - School Board meeting: Final Candidate Approval (Originally May 28, 2026).
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July 1, 2026 - Start Date.