Principal
Amber Hornbacher joins Academy 360 as Principal with over 17 years of experience in education, school leadership, teaching, and student support. She began her career in special education, where she developed a deep belief that every child deserves to be known, supported, and challenged. Most recently, she served as the Head of Lower School at an independent school in Denver, leading academic programming, instructional coaching, student support systems, and family engagement efforts for grades K–5. In partnership with the Head of Middle School, she also helped lead schoolwide initiatives, community events, and programs designed to strengthen connections across the entire school community.
During her time as Head of Lower School, Amber implemented new literacy, math, and social-emotional learning programs, expanded systems of support for students, strengthened family engagement efforts, and led professional learning for teachers. She is known for bringing people together around a shared vision, listening carefully before making decisions, and finding ways to balance high expectations with genuine care and support.
Amber believes schools should be places where every child and adult feels seen, heard, celebrated, and valued. Throughout her career, she has learned that while strong academics and effective systems matter deeply, relationships are often what make the greatest difference. Students do their best learning when they feel connected, supported, challenged, and known. Her leadership reflects a commitment to joyful learning, strong partnerships with families, meaningful opportunities for student voice, and creating a school community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. She believes that academic success and personal growth go hand in hand and that schools have the opportunity to help students discover not only what they can achieve, but who they are becoming.
Through both her personal and professional experiences, Amber brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach that helps her connect with and understand the many perspectives that shape a school community. As both an educator and parent, she understands the trust families place in schools each day and values the opportunity to partner with them in support of their children. She cares deeply about creating inclusive learning environments, strengthening connections between schools and families, and helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and thoughtful leaders.
Outside of school, Amber enjoys writing, podcasting, listening to music, watching movies, and having meaningful conversations with family and friends. She is naturally curious, loves learning from others, and is always inspired by new ideas and perspectives. Amber and her husband, along with their two sons, are excited to become part of the Academy 360 community. They look forward to building relationships, making memories, and growing alongside the students, families, and staff who make Academy 360 such a special place.