Dr. Jake Wilson is the Middle & High School Principal at Mountain Island Charter School in Mount Holly, North Carolina, where he leads one of the largest charter schools in the state with a focus on academic excellence, positive character, service, and leadership. Dr. Wilson currently serves as the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Charter School Principal of the Year and has served as a school leader at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His teams have achieved milestones that include 100% family engagement in a single year (elementary), recognition as a Blue Ribbon School of Distinction (middle), and elevating a high school performance grade from a C to a B. Jake’s work emphasizes data-informed decision-making, equitable and standardized hiring practices, and authentic student leadership. A frequent presenter at statewide conferences, he contributes on topics such as family engagement, MTSS, productivity for school leaders, and blending positive school culture with effective school systems.
Jake earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and an Ed.S. from Appalachian State University, an M.S.A. from UNC Charlotte, and a B.A. in Elementary Education from UNC Charlotte. He is a North Carolina Principal Fellow and a member of the Cratis D. Williams Society of Outstanding Graduates.