On Career High by Pega6, host Jeremy Smith speaks with Christopher Carter, Principal of Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, about what it takes to build a school where students belong, thrive, and graduate with real options. Chris reflects on 30 years in education (27 as an administrator) and the leadership lessons that shaped his approach, especially the idea that schools improve fastest when culture, instruction, and career pathways are treated as one connected system.

Chris shares how his time as a building principal in Magnolia, Arkansas became a turning point in his career-connected learning journey. There, he helped launch an inclusion-focused agricultural CTE class through the Boundless Learning model, giving students with IEPs meaningful, hands-on opportunities that later expanded into programs like animal showing and even a student-run dog grooming class.

Now back in his hometown as principal of Northside High School, Chris leads one of the most diverse high schools in the country: 2,200–2,400 students, 49 home languages, and a school culture built on pride and ownership. Under his leadership, Northside has made a dramatic academic turnaround—rising from a D rating to a B in four years—by shifting expectations, empowering teachers, bringing parents back as partners, and building a stronger sense of belonging across all programs, including CTE.

Key Moments

03:52 "Principal Returns to Hometown School"

08:57 "Love Your School, Give Back"

09:46 "Building Success and Connections"

14:43 "Positivity Through Challenging Days"

18:17 Growing Career Pathways for Students

20:23 Trade School Partnerships and Apprenticeships

22:53 "Streamlined Pathways for Youth Success"

28:03 Surround Yourself With Smart People

29:56 "Chris's Impact on Education"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

A powerful example of how school improvement isn’t just about test prep—it’s about building belonging, pride, and real pathways. You’ll hear how Northside created a student-owned culture that drives academic growth, how CTE programs can elevate every learner (including students with IEPs), and why strong partnerships and early pathway exploration can reshape outcomes in a diverse, high-volume high school.

Connect with Christopher Carter | Principal, Fort Smith Public Schools

Company Website: https://northside.fortsmithschools.org/

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Career High By Pega6

Host: Jeremy Smith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyasmith

Pega6 Website: https://www.pega6.com/
Pega6 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pega6/

About Career High By Pega6

Career High is the podcast that spotlights principals transforming high schools into launchpads for real-world success through career-connected learning, industry partnerships, and innovative pathways.