Mr. Rooney was the founding Middle School Principal and is a native of Indianapolis. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. He most recently served as Principal of Democracy Prep Harlem High School in New York City. Under his leadership, 100% of his students earned acceptances to at least two four-year colleges, as well as New York Advanced Regents Diplomas. In 2020, Democracy Prep Harlem was ranked the #1 Best Public Charter High School in New York City and the entire state of New York by U.S. News & World Report. Before serving in school leadership at Democracy Prep, Rooney taught in Indianapolis and as a Fulbright English Teacher in the Republic of Korea.  Rooney is a former Eli Lilly Scholar and proud graduate of Ball State University, as well as the Relay National Principals Academy. He has also completed extensive arts education training at Anderson University, the University of St. Thomas, and the Eastman School of Music.