Executive Director's Message

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Welcome to Natomas Charter School! 

Natomas Charter School (NCS) is proud of its 30-year history of providing innovative, quality public education programs for Natomas and the greater Sacramento community. As one of the oldest charter schools in California, NCS began as a middle school program, seeking to engage and challenge students with hands-on, interdisciplinary instruction. In our nearly three decades we have grown from that first program, now called Leading Edge, to include a 6-12 Performing and Fine Arts Academy, K-8 home school program known as PACT Academy, a 9-12 Early College Academy, and a TK-5 elementary program called Star Academy. Across all five programs you will find instruction that is purposeful, relevant, and engaging in a caring and nurturing campus culture where educators, students, and families partner for the success of all children. We hope that you enjoy getting to know our community and special campus culture within each of our academies.

About the Executive Director

Dr. Joe Wood is the Executive Director of Natomas Charter School. Prior to becoming the school’s Executive Director he was the Instructional Technology & Assessment Director for seven years, leading the school through its development of a fully independent technology, assessment, and data team. During this time he also worked closely with the school's co-founders and previous Executive Directors, Charlie Leo and Dr. Ting Sun.

Joe began his career as a middle school science teacher in the Central Valley, working in both Manteca Unified and Sylvan Union school districts. Prior to joining the Natomas Charter School team he was a 7th and 8th grade science teacher, technology, and literacy coach in the San Juan Unified School District.  Joe is actively involved with multiple education leadership organizations throughout our state and region.

Joe received his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Davis, a Master’s degree in Education Technology from California State University, Stanislaus and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of California at Davis. He holds both multiple subject (elementary) and single subject (secondary) science teaching credentials. Joe is also a Natomas Charter School parent. He and his husband have a son who joined NCS at Star Academy and is now attending the school's Performing and Fine Arts Academy.