Cedar Rapids, IA — With nearly 14 years in education, our founding principal, Angelica Brothers, brings a deep commitment to equity, student advocacy, and building systems that help every child succeed.
She began her career as an associate before growing into roles as an ELL and literacy teacher and eventually moving into district leadership. Most recently, she served as Director of School Support for Clear Creek Amana Community School District, overseeing ELL programming, Title I-IV compliance, at-risk supports, McKinney-Vento services, and serving as Title IX coordinator.
Throughout her career, her focus has remained clear: advocating for underrepresented students and ensuring they have equitable access to rigorous learning experiences.
“My career has centered on advocating for underrepresented students, ensuring they have equitable access to rigorous learning experiences and that the systems around them are built to support their success,” she shared.
Outside of school leadership, family is at the center of her life. She loves cheering on her daughter at soccer games, starting mornings with a workout, and cooking new recipes alongside her husband. And at the end of a busy day, her yellow lab helps keep life grounded with a quiet reminder of what matters most.
Her journey to Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids feels like a natural continuation of the work she has always been passionate about.
“My entire career has been about opening doors for students who face barriers — whether linguistic, economic, or systemic,” Principal Brothers said. “When I learned about Horizon Science Academy's model, I saw a school designed to do exactly that through the vehicle of STEM.”
What stood out most was the combination of rigorous academics and intentional equity.
“HSA isn't just offering a rigorous program; it's offering it to families and communities who deserve those opportunities just as much as anyone. That combination of high expectations and intentional equity is what drew me here.”
As founding principal, Principal Brothers sees a unique opportunity to intentionally shape a school community from the very beginning.
“Being a founding principal is something I take seriously,” she explained. “I've spent years working within established systems, sometimes effectively, sometimes having to fight hard to move the needle. A new school is a once-in-a-career chance to build the culture, structures, and relationships intentionally from day one.”
She believes Cedar Rapids is the perfect place to begin that work.
“Cedar Rapids is a vibrant, diverse community, and I want to help create a school that reflects and serves all of it, one where students and families feel like they truly belong.”
At the core of her leadership philosophy is a belief in relationships, growth, and opportunity.
“I am passionate about increasing access and opportunity, for students and for the adults who serve them,” she said. “When teachers grow, students grow, and I've dedicated my career to building the conditions that make both possible.”
She also believes school culture is built through trust and connection every single day.
“Culture isn't built through policy or programming alone — it's built through trust, connection, and the daily choice to show up for the people around you. Whether I'm working with a family navigating a new school system, a teacher developing their craft, or a student discovering what they're capable of, the relationship always comes first.”
As Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids prepares to open its doors, she is looking forward to building something meaningful alongside students, staff, and families.
“Being part of founding Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids is a dream I didn't know I was working toward — but looking back at every step of my career, it makes perfect sense,” she said. “I get to take everything I've learned about equity, family engagement, and student support and build something brand new with a team that shares those same values. I am so excited to grow with this community and to help create a school where every student — especially those who've been told STEM isn't for them — can prove that wrong.”
