Justin Smith is the Chief Schools Officer at Forte Preparatory Academy Charter Schools in Queens, New York. In this role, Justin oversees Forte Prep Middle and High Schools, coaches the leadership teams of the schools, drives the academic and cultural programs, and ensures that Forte Prep is living up to its mission of providing excellent educational opportunities for all students. Prior to becoming the Chief Schools Officer, Justin served as the Founding Principal at Forte Prep Middle School, and was responsible for the creation of Forte Prep’s school systems and curriculum, including designing and improving the academic program at Forte Prep. Before joining Forte Prep, Justin was a founding teacher at Democracy Prep Endurance Middle School and a founding leader at Democracy Prep Endurance High School in Harlem, New York; he was also a 2009 Bay Area TFA Corps Member in Richmond, California.

Justin holds an M.A. in the Teaching of English from Teachers College at Columbia University, a B.A. in English with a concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies from Carleton College, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Education Leadership at Teachers College at Columbia University.