Erin Strimple-Barker Promoted to ACHS Academic Principal

Erin Strimple-Barker was promoted to academy principal at Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Minnie Howard Campus, effective July 1, 2025. In this role, Strimple-Barker assists the campus principal in leading the Academies at Alexandria City with a focus on the General Studies Academy; that is, the high school’s traditional academic program, as well as the International Academy, ninth grade and transfer students.

“Erin Strimple-Barker brings over two decades of experience in science education and academy leadership. Her deep commitment to instructional excellence, community partnerships, and student success makes her an invaluable addition to our leadership team as we continue to strengthen the Academies of Alexandria City High School,” said Lance Harrell, interim executive principal at ACHS.

Strimple-Barker is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years of experience in secondary education, specializing in instructional leadership, curriculum development and academy coordination. She is skilled in project management, teacher coaching and implementing innovative instructional models aligned with equity and student achievement. 

Strimple-Barker previously served as the ACHS academy coach. She first joined T.C. Williams High School, now ACHS, in 2006 as a chemistry teacher and also had served as department chair. Before coming to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), Strimple-Barker was a science teacher at Ruben Salazar High School in Santa Ana, California.

Leadership projects Strimple-Barker has taken on at ACPS include that of graduation coordinator, science fair coordinator, online summer mentor and pathways expo coordinator.

Strimple-Barker earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from University of Richmond in Virginia. She has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University in Orange, California and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.