07/13/2026
Meet Our New Principal: Dr. Karen Drew
It is an honor to join the EPIC community as Principal and to work alongside the dedicated staff, students, and families who make EPIC School such a special place.
Throughout my career as an educator and school leader, I have learned that every child deserves to be seen for their strengths, understood for their individual needs, and given every opportunity to succeed. At EPIC, that belief is reflected in everything we do. The work taking place in our classrooms each day is life-changing—not because it follows a traditional path, but because it focuses on the skills that matter most to each student’s growth and independence.
I believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential. Families know their children best, and by working together with trust, communication, and shared goals, we can help every student succeed. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of my educational philosophy and will continue to guide the work at EPIC.
During my educational career, I have served as Director of Finance & Operations/SBA for a not-for-profit charter school in Newark, as an Assistant Superintendent for 23 Bergen County schools in the Archdiocese of Newark, and as Principal for a K-8 elementary school. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Management and School Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. My leadership philosophy is rooted in creating inclusive, nurturing, and engaging learning communities that empower students, support families, and inspire educators.
As I begin this new chapter, I am excited to learn from our students, support our outstanding staff, and build lasting relationships with our families. Thank you for welcoming me into the EPIC community. I look forward to celebrating every achievement—big and small—as we continue helping our students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Warmly,
Dr. Karen Drew Principal
