Michael Burch Promoted to Serve as Alexandria City High School Principal

Michael Burch takes on the role of Alexandria City High School (ACHS) principal, effective July 1, 2026. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring instructional excellence, operational coherence and a unified high school experience, serving a diverse student population across four campuses. As high school principal, Burch represents ACHS, building strong partnerships with students, families, community organizations, higher education institutions, local businesses and civic leaders. 

Burch joined Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in 2010 and is a results-oriented educational leader. With over 30 years of experience in education, Burch has a proven ability to successfully lead and manage complex operations, improve student outcomes, and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Previously, Burch was ACHS’ lead administrator of school improvement and operations and lead administrator for operations and student support at the King Street Campus. Burch also served ACHS as assistant principal, testing coordinator, assistant athletic director, and physical education, health and driver education teacher.

Burch received his Bachelor of Science in education (physical education) and his Master of Science in education, curriculum and instruction, and physical education at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He earned post-master certification in educational leadership and administration at The George Washington University. At Texas Woman’s University, Burch took doctoral classes in sports management. He has certifications in administration and supervision preK-12, and in driver education, health and physical education preK-12.

Burch is a proud U.S. Army veteran. Prior to coming to ACPS, he was head volleyball coach at Radford University and West Virginia Wesleyan College, and assistant volleyball coach at Texas Woman’s University and Virginia Tech. He also was previously a teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools in Virginia and a teaching assistant at Virginia Tech.