Head of School

Sam Golder is the enthusiastic Head of School at Newark Charter School.  As a consummate cheerleader for NCS, you may see Mr. Golder around campus celebrating our many student accomplishments.  Mr. Golder’s favorite saying is “There is No Better Time to be a Patriot,” and he believes that wholeheartedly!

Mr. Golder has helped raise the bar for Newark Charter’s public relations and branding.  Under his leadership, Newark Charter School has completely overhauled the biweekly bulletin, shown an increased presence on social media and upgraded public facing events like graduation, the auction, athletic signing days, and senior recognition events. Mr. Golder is a firm believer in “telling the story” of Newark Charter School; he routinely states “if we do not tell our story, someone else will and their story will be wrong!”

Mr. Golder is proud of the Newark Charter School community’s loyalty and generosity, helping to make recent fundraising campaigns amongst the best ever.  As a result of the community’s unwavering support, NCS exceeded the $2.5 million mark on a recent Capital Campaign.  This campaign was significant in building the beautiful Robert W Gore Stadium and the incomparable Otello Meucci Performing Arts Center.  “We want the community to be the center of everything we do, from academics to the arts to athletics.  What a blessing it is to have families that care so much about our school.”  

Mr. Golder genuinely loves Newark Charter’s staff and students.  He has created monthly Head of School Awards, brought Delaware’s Teacher of the Year Process to the school, and even initiated a podcast to showcase staff and student talents.  Additionally, Mr. Golder initiated and planned a Wall of Honor that will memorialize Newark Charter School’s amazing contributors for years to come.  

Academically, the Patriots continue to thrive, earning top scores across the state on standardized tests and sending graduates to prestigious colleges and universities across the country.  Newark Charter School is the top ranked school in Delaware, according to US News and World Reports and has received the National Blue Ribbon Award twice.

Prior to his work at Newark Charter, Mr. Golder served as a high school English teacher, championship boys basketball coach, assistant principal, principal and district office supervisor across several schools and districts.  He has received accolades as “Teacher of the Year,” “Coach of the Year” and “Administrator of the Year” over his 28 year educational career. 

Mr. Golder is involved in committee work outside of Newark Charter School.  He is a member of the Delaware Charter School Network’s Legislative Committee, a member of the DIAA Public/Private Sports Championship Committee  and he is frequently called upon to speak on educational topics with legislators and the Department of Education.

Sam’s wife (Holly) works as the Supervisor of Social Studies for the Red Clay Consolidated School District,  The Golders have three children, a twenty year old son (Brooks), a thirteen year old daughter (Sophia), and an eleven year old daughter. (Lizzie)   Sam’s family lives in Hockessin, Delaware.