Steve Popper is the Chief Academic Officer at Democracy Prep schools

in this role, Steve shapes the academic vision and leads the implementation of Democracy Prep's academic program. In partnership with his amazing team, he helps shape the vision for the broader student experience at Democracy Prep, including supervising the civics, arts, athletics, student travel, special education, and post-secondary success programs.

Steve joined Democracy Prep Public Schools in 2010 as a special education teacher and was a founding leadership team member and Principal at the network's second high school. During this time, the school earned excellent student achievement results, including ACT/SAT scores surpassing state and national averages, and state exam scores consistently among the highest in the state.

After his time as principal, Steve served in the network role of Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. As Superintendent, in partnership with the CEO and the Office of the Superintendent, he helped to craft and implement the academic and school culture vision and policies for the network's schools, and helped to build the vision and implementation plan for the network's 5-year strategic plan. He also helped to lead a revamp of the network's student culture and discipline policies, which has contribued to significant reductions in suspension rates at the vast majority of Democracy Prep schools.

A proud New Jersey native, Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Princeton University, and his Master in Education in Special Education from Hunter College in New York City."