CCPS News: New AP at CCHS

Culpeper County Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Zajkowski as Assistant Principal at Culpeper County High School (CCHS). He replaces Andrew Chrismer, who has taken on a new role in the school division. Zajkowski, a 2011 graduate of CCHS, has served as Dean of Students at CCHS since February 2025 and brings nine years of experience in public education to his new leadership role.

“As a proud 2011 graduate of CCHS, this opportunity is especially meaningful,” Zajkowski said of his new role. “I am deeply grateful to everyone within Culpeper County Public Schools who has supported and guided me, from my time as a student to now, as they have played a tremendous role in shaping who I am today.”

He added, “After graduating from Mississippi State University in 2015, I took a leap of faith and changed career paths, beginning my journey in education as a substitute teacher. I’ve enjoyed every step along the way. In 2022, I earned my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Radford University, which further strengthened my passion for helping students and supporting our school community.”

Before becoming Dean of Students, Zajkowski spent eight years as a Health and Physical Education teacher at CCHS. In addition to his classroom experience, he has been deeply involved in the school’s athletic programs, serving as Assistant Coach for Boys Lacrosse for the past eight years and Assistant Coach for Varsity Football for the last seven years. He feels that his coaching experiences have deepened his connection with CCHS students, families, and community.

Zajkowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Radford University. He holds a Virginia license in Health and Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Administration and Supervision PreK-12.

When he is not at school, Zajkowski says, “I love spending time with my amazing wife, Keeley, our horse, Kieran, and our family. I’m also a lifelong sports fan who can talk athletics all day.”

Zajkowski’s appointment reflects the school division’s continued commitment to cultivating leadership from within and fostering strong relationships between educators and the community they serve.