Christopher Thompson

Chris Thompson, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida serves an Academy Principal at T.C. Williams High School. Prior to this role, Mr. Thompson served as the inaugural principal of Lincoln-West School of Science and Health. Mr. Thompson assumed the role in December of 2015. As a school principal, Mr. Thompson is applying his previous teacher/leadership experience and research in problem-based learning and cross-curricular instruction, to meet the needs of the students and teachers at T.C. Williams. Mr. Thompson is continually providing innovative solutions to address the challenges students face in seeking to be competitive in a technology-driven twenty-first century economy.

Mr. Thompson works to transform learning environments by being equity-focused, bridging gaps, emphasizing academic achievement, and integrating opportunities for creative expression. In addition, Mr. Thompson is responsible for overseeing various departments, supervising personnel, managing budgets and policies, leading organizational direction, using analytics to drive curriculum decisions, supporting the school’s vision of excellence, and managing the school in the absence of the principal.

Mr. Thompson is a passionate educator that has infused excellence in school systems in Maryland, DC Metro area, and Massachusetts. Prior to transitioning into educational administration, Mr. Thompson taught Special Education, AP Government, and Economics. During his teaching career, Mr. Thompson also served in leadership roles that included department and committee chairs. He was also instrumental in implementing successful new programs and merit/recognition systems for teachers, developing several programs that went on to make a significant difference for at-risk students, increasing family engagement, and improving standardized test scores.

Mr. Thompson also served in the United States Marine Corps and Air Force Reserves for eight years in legal clerk and HR management roles. In addition, he has served as a legislative analyst for the U.S. House of Representatives and worked as a job coach and staff administrator for career development and employment program for at-risk youth in the DC metro area.

Mr. Thompson’s zeal for education is evident in his own educational pursuits. Mr. Thompson’s educational accomplishments include a: Bachelor Degree from Florida Gulf Coast University, Master of Education Degree from George Washington University, and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Harvard University. After attending Harvard Graduate School of Education, he began his professional endeavor to obtain an opportunity to lead a school. Mr. Thompson believes we (educators, parents, and community members) must work together as a supportive family-unit addressing the needs of and setting the highest standards to ensure success for every student. Mr. Thompson has embraced the opportunity to make a difference in the Alexandria City Public Schools propelling T.C. Williams High School to become a distinguished example of educational excellence.