Our Principal

I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join this exceptional community and excited to partner with our students, staff, families, and Carolinas College of Health Sciences as we continue Hawthorne’s strong tradition of excellence and innovation.

As a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and a parent of a CMS student, my connection to this district is both professional and personal. For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of supporting students and educators across public education – experiences that have prepared me well to serve Hawthorne during this exciting time of growth and transition.

Most recently, I served as Executive Director of Learning & Teaching for High Schools in CMS, supporting instructional excellence across 36 of our district’s high schools. Previously, asDirector of Secondary Curriculum, I helped lead major curriculum adoptions and worked toensure equitable access to high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all secondary CMS schools. Earlier in my career, I served as an assistant principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and I began as a high school English teacher in a Career & Technical Education school in Union County. Across every role, one belief has guided me: strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning, and every student deserves both high expectations and unwavering support.

As principal of Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences, my commitment is clear:

• Every student will be known, valued, and challenged
• Every staff member will be supported and celebrated as a professional
• Every family will be welcomed as an essential partner in our work

Thank you for welcoming me into this remarkable school community. I look forward to working together to ensure every Hawthorne student thrives, and that every graduate is prepared to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed.

With sincere appreciation and excitement,

Jennifer H. Clark

Principal, Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences