Building on 17 years of service to City Schools students and staff, Jalima Alicea takes the helm of City Neighbors Charter School. Most recently, Principal Alicea served as executive director of teaching and learning and deputy director of special education, after beginning her career as a paraprofessional at Gilmor Elementary School and a special education teacher. Principal Alicea is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership for diverse populations at the Notre Dame of Maryland University.
She lives by Simon Sinek’s quote, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” Her passion for creating inclusive opportunities for diverse learners drives her lifelong commitment to equity and human dignity.
Of her new role, Principal Alicea said, “I am most excited about building strong, authentic relationships with our students, staff, and families. Getting to know the unique strengths of our school community and working together to support student growth through authentic learning experiences is what drives my work every day. To me, leadership in education means cultivating a culture of trust, agency, and continuous learning. It is about removing barriers so teachers can teach effectively, empowering students to own their learning, and listening intentionally to the community we serve.”
City Schools is proud to introduce our new principals and welcome them into their leadership roles within our school communities. To view the full list of new principals for the 2026-27 school year, click here.