Choosing a school means choosing a community—and the people who will lead it. 

Today, October 1, applications are officially open for the 2027–28 school year at YES Prep Public Schools. Families across Houston are invited to discover what’s possible at YES Prep, where more than 21,000 students across 27 campuses have access to a tuition-free public education designed to prepare them for college, career and life. 

Students at YES Prep have access to personalized academic support, college and career preparation, special education services, free transportation, healthy meals and opportunities that support their success. The new application season also follows YES Prep’s strongest academic performance to date, with the district earning an 89, a strong B, in the 2026 Texas Education Agency Accountability Ratings and every YES Prep secondary school earning an A. 

Behind that work are the leaders who help shape the experience students, staff and families have on our campuses every day: our principals. 

October is National Principals Month, and throughout five weekly blogs, we’re celebrating all YES Prep principals through the voices of the colleagues who work alongside them. From developing teachers and building strong campus cultures to creating joyful experiences for students, their leadership takes many forms. 

This week, meet five of the leaders helping their school communities thrive. 

Naketchia Alfred — North Forest Secondary 

At North Forest Secondary, Principal Naketchia Alfred has helped create a culture where being “Legendary” reflects both campus pride and the expectations she sets for her team. 

Dr. Kimberly Fields, executive assistant, describes Alfred’s leadership in one word: empowering. She says Alfred pairs high expectations with a willingness to step into the work alongside her team, supporting departments when needed and recognizing their successes. 

“She challenges us to grow, encourages us to bring our strengths to the table, and reminds us that every role contributes to the success of our students and campus,” Fields shared. 

That combination of support, accountability, and celebration has helped build a team that feels trusted to lead and connected by a shared commitment to students. 

Lily Macias — North Central Secondary 

Principal Lily Macias brings a simple but powerful belief to North Central Secondary: excellence should have joy in it. 

Teneiza Tibbs-Jackson, director of academics, describes Macias as an authentic leader and consistent collaborator who is always willing to ask her team, “Where do you need me?” 

That authenticity was on full display during a themed staff meeting last year. Macias was leading the meeting wearing one of her signature onesies when Tibbs-Jackson overheard a new teacher tell another, “Man, I love this for us! She’s so real. I wish I had a principal like her when I was in school.” 

The moment captured what Macias brings to her campus: even when the work is challenging, there can still be room for connection, authenticity and joy. 

Erin Sadler — Southwest Secondary 

Consistency, accountability, and trust define Principal Erin Sadler’s leadership at Southwest Secondary. 

Eduardo Garces, director of college counseling, says Sadler communicates clearly, holds people accountable to shared expectations and gives her team the space to develop new approaches to serving students. 

That trust helped Southwest pilot College Readiness Tutorials for seniors who were close to meeting college-ready benchmarks. Sadler encouraged collaboration and gave the team room to build a targeted approach using student data while maintaining accountability for the results. 

“She created space for us to try something new, learn from it, and improve how we support students,” Garces shared. 

The pilot laid the foundation for Southwest’s current tutorial efforts, demonstrating how giving teams room to innovate can lead to stronger support for students. 

Matt McMahan — White Oak Elementary 

At White Oak Elementary, Principal Matt McMahan’s commitment to students is closely connected to his investment in the educators who serve them. 

Diana Rios, managing director of program success, describes McMahan’s leadership as intentional. An experienced instructional coach, he invests in developing teachers and other leaders, helping them strengthen their practice while keeping expectations for students at the center. 

Rios also points to McMahan’s ability to navigate difficult conversations with both care and clarity. He can deliver challenging feedback while making it clear that the person receiving it—and their continued growth—matters. 

For McMahan, growing educators and leaders ultimately means strengthening the learning experience they can provide for every student. 

Ashley Smith — Brays Oaks Elementary 

At Brays Oaks Elementary, Principal Ashley Smith has built a culture where students, families and staff feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Her colleagues describe her leadership as both empowering and selfless. 

Executive Assistant Yurai Benitez sees that care in Smith’s relationships with families and in the experiences she creates for students. During the campus’s founding year, Smith promised students who met all of their i-Ready goals a “Magic McDonald’s Party.” She advocated for what was needed to make the celebration happen and created a moment Benitez still remembers for the joy it brought across campus. 

“Our students felt loved, valued, and seen,” Benitez shared. 

Assistant Principal Jose Montijo sees that same commitment in the way Smith leads adults. 

“Ashley leads with humility, serves without seeking recognition, and measures success by the growth and success of those around her,” Montijo shared. 

Whether celebrating students or developing her team, Smith’s leadership centers on helping others recognize what they can accomplish. 

Celebrating Our Principals All Month Long 

These five leaders are just the beginning. Throughout October, we’ll continue sharing stories from across YES Prep as we recognize all principals and the different ways they lead, support and strengthen their school communities. 

And for families considering YES Prep, today is also the beginning of their own journey. 

Applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open. Families interested in joining a YES Prep school can apply for Phase I through February 12, 2027, with the lottery taking place February 22, 2027. 

Apply to YES Prep for the 2027–28 school year. 

Check back next week as we continue celebrating the leaders at the heart of YES Prep during National Principals Month.