James Dent is the Founder, has served Executive Director and is now the Chief Academic Officer of Navigator Schools, a Non-Profit Charter Management Organization that operates high performing K-8 charter schools near San Jose. James founded Navigator with a team of passionate educators and parents, who were driven to create a results driven, student focused school to eliminate the achievement gap and provide every child an opportunity to reach their potential. James drove Navigator's flagship school, Gilroy Prep, to achieve an API of 978 in 2012, surpassing every school in Santa Clara County. James is passionate about empowering leaders and teachers to be the top educators in their field. His commitment to innovation is evidenced by the constantly evolving blended learning model at work in Navigator's classrooms, which is highly responsive to student needs. He works tirelessly to extend Navigator's impact by sharing out best practices, collaborating with other school leaders (district and charters) and offering free trainings to educators. Prior to founding Navigator, James moved up the ranks in the public schools system, from Teacher, to Assistant Principal, to Principal, always producing exceptional student results through high quality teaching and outstanding student engagement.James is fluent in Spanish, is the proud father of 5 kids, and is an avid spear-fisherman.