School Principal Jobs in Costa Mesa, CA
A Principal plays a critical role in school administration as they are responsible for the overall management and operation of the school. They create and implement educational policies, manage school staff including teachers and non-teaching personnel, and ensure the school's curriculum and activities adhere to national and local standards. Principals also have the obligation to monitor student progress, conduct teacher evaluations, maintain a safe and conducive learning environment, and communicate with parents and community members. They also oversee the school's budget and make sure resources are allocated properly.
To perform these duties successfully, School Principals should have leadership and decision-making skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities. They must also demonstrate a solid understanding of curriculum development, education laws, and regulations. A master's degree in education administration or leadership, and licensure from a state board of education are typical requirements for this role. Certifications like National Certified School Principal (NCSP) or Professional Principal's Certificate could be beneficial. Prior to becoming a School Principal, an individual may begin as a teacher, then progress to roles such as Assistant Principal, Department Head, or School Administrator.
Elementary Principal -2025/2026 School Year - Del Lago Elementary
- Mission Viejo, CA (21 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
- Mission Viejo, CA (21 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
Requires valid California Administrative Credential. Requires minimum of three years of successful school teaching, preferably at the elementary school level and three or more years of successful...
Principal - Elementary - 2025-2026 School Year
- San Juan Capistrano, CA (21 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
- San Juan Capistrano, CA (21 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
your past employment record (Internal CUSD applicants need only list three professional references on their application) Writing Prompt: Write a letter introducing yourself as the newly appointed principal...
Elementary School Principal - Longfellow
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 17 hours ago
leadership....
Elementary School Principal, Dual Immersion: Spanish (Tk - 6) 2025-2026
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
South Whittier School District See attachment on original job posting Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree requiredValid California School Administrative Services CredentialFive (5) years of...
Principal (K - 8) Sycamore Magnet Academy 52-25-26
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 1 day ago
The mission of the Tustin Unified School District, a learning community rich in heritage and committed to a tradition of excellence, is to ensure that each student optimizes individual achievement...
Principal, Guin Foss ES 49-25-26
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 2 days ago
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DEFINITION Under general direction of the Superintendent, is responsible for the administration and coordination of an elementary school....
- Placentia, CA (14 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 6 days ago
- Placentia, CA (14 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 6 days ago
About the Employer The Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person's actual or...
2025-26 Elementary Principal - Plavan Elementary School
- Fountain Valley, CA (3 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 7 days ago
- Fountain Valley, CA (3 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 7 days ago
Welcome to Fountain Valley School District. Located in central Orange County, California, FVSD is comprised of seven elementary and three middle schools. We provide rigorous academic programs and...
Deans Office Principal Senior Financial Analyst
- Irvine, CA (10 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 7 days ago
- Irvine, CA (10 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 7 days ago
Your Role on the Team The Dean's Office (DO) Principal Sr. Financial Analyst reports directly to the DO Sr. Manager, School of Medicine....
- Anaheim, CA (12 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 8 days ago
- Anaheim, CA (12 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 8 days ago
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL JOB DESCRIPTION DEFINITION Under general direction of the Superintendent, the Principal is responsible to provide leadership to the school community including students, staff...
Elementary Principal - Newport Elementary School 2025-26
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 9 days ago
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 9 days ago
Newport-Mesa Unified School District See attachment on original job posting Please review the job description attached. Individuals who are interested must submit an EdJoin electronic application...
Deans Office Principal Senior Financial Analyst University of California Irvine Health
- Orange, CA (8 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
- Orange, CA (8 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
Your Role on the Team The Dean's Office (DO) Principal Sr. Financial Analyst reports directly to the DO Sr. Manager, School of Medicine....
Elementary School Principal #024
- Placentia, CA (14 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
- Placentia, CA (14 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 13 days ago
About the Employer The Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person's actual or...
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 26 days ago
- Tustin, CA (6 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 26 days ago
~Provides strong leadership in the areas of : curriculum and instruction, budget administration, community relations, employee relations, student activities, and student discipline; ~Promotes effective...
Principal - Elementary 2025-2026 School Year
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 29 days ago
- Whittier, CA (23 miles from Costa Mesa, CA)
- 29 days ago
Participates in Instructional Leaders' Professional Learning Community work....
Demographic Data for Costa Mesa, CA
Moving to Costa Mesa, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Costa Mesa, CA below.
School Principal Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title
Salary for School Principal Jobs in Costa Mesa, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for School Principal positions.
Highest Education Level
School Principals in Costa Mesa, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a School Principal position
- Instructional Leadership
- School Administration
- School Leadership
- School Operations
- School Improvement
- Educational Leadership
- Student Discipline
- Teacher Evaluation
- Professional Learning Communities
- Data-Driven Instruction
- MTSS
- Student Management
- District Leadership
- Student Services
- Common Core State Standards
- Special Education
- Athletics
- Educational Technology
- Classroom Management
- Masters
- Fiscal Management
- Keyboarding
- Early Childhood Education
- Program Evaluation
- Doctorate
- Community Relations
- Curriculum Development
- Staff Development
- File Management
- Personnel Management
- Masters In Education
- Calendar Management
- Public Relations
- Closing
- Decision Making
- Implementation
- Written Communication
- Teaching
- Events
- Collaboration
- Mentoring
- Coaching
- Interpersonal Skills
- Employee Development
- Education Experience
- Filing
- Budgets
- Regulations
- Reporting
- English
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Research Skills
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
School Principal Related Career Advice Articles
6 Steps to Finding the Best Principal Jobs
If you’re wondering how to become a principal or seeking principal jobs, check out our quick guide to school administrator careers.
Read article »
Resume Writing Tips for School Administrators
Writing a principal resume? Stand out in your job search with these resume writing tips for school administrators.
Read article »
Essential Interview Prep for School Administrators
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher seeking to take the next step in your career or a veteran administrator looking to relocate, interview preparation is essential to landing the position. Study this guide closely to ace your next interview.
Read article »