Principal's Message

Being a high school principal means watching students grow into what they're meant to be—through all the chaos, laughter, and hard lessons, you get to be a part of their story. That's the real joy—showing up, believing in them, and seeing it all pay off.

To all students, I am incredibly proud of each of you and know that you exemplify our school motto: Together we can, whatever it takes, no excuses! TJ Cotter

TJ Cotter, a native Houstonian, currently serves as Principal of Sharpstown High School in Houston ISD. Appointed in 2023, he took leadership of the district’s lowest-performing high school, under corrective action, from the State of Texas. Since then, Cotter has led dramatic improvements in graduation rates, post-secondary readiness, and student performance on State End of Course Assessments. The school has also seen significant gains in Special Education outcomes and compliance.

Before Sharpstown, Cotter served as Principal of Wesley Elementary, where he led the campus from “Improvement Required” to a State-rated 89 (B) with multiple Distinctions. He also served as Principal at Fondren Middle School. Cotter began his career as a teacher at Gregory-Lincoln Education Center and held leadership roles at Dowling Middle School, Carter G. Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy, and North Forest High School—helping each campus exit state intervention status.

He holds a BBA in Marketing from Texas Southern University and an M.Ed. in Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Houston, where he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership and Policy Studies.

Cotter is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.