About me
Julie Frugo, Ed.D. - Transformational Leader in Education
For nearly 30 years, Julie Frugo, Ed.D., has been a trailblazer in the field of education. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation she moved from the classroom in the suburbs of Chicago to becoming a founding member of the first charter school in St. Louis, Missouri. Julie's distinguished career spans roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and since 2010, CEO/Superintendent of Premier Charter School (PCS).
Since its inception in 2000, Premier Charter School has thrived under Julie's leadership, serving over 1,000 students from Pre K-8 who speak 18 different languages. PCS stands out as the only charter school in St. Louis designated as both a State and National School of Character. A Leadership Academy of Character Education (LACE) graduate, Julie has been instrumental in the school's journey to embed character education deeply within its culture. Julie’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering focus on relationship building and empowerment have created an exceptional learning environment for both students and staff. She continues to lead and develop a dedicated team of over 200 faculty and staff, fostering a culture centered on character-driven education that nurtures curious and empowered learners.
Julie holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and an Ed.D. from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, where she studied under Marvin Berkowitz, Ph.D., as part of the inaugural Character Education and Democratic School Governance cohort. Her research was connected to her passion for leadership development which led her to create the Professional Growth Leadership framework, as well as co-developed the Connected Leader Framework with her Ed.D. cohort peers.
As a sought-after national speaker, Julie has been a repeat presenter at major conferences, including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association for Moral Education, Character Education Partnership, and Learning Forward. She works closely with schools across the region and beyond, sharing her insights and experiences. Julie also mentors aspiring principals through the Center for Character and Citizenship’s CEEL program, a comprehensive professional development experience incorporating Servant Leadership into the CCC LACE program. Additionally, she serves on the Dean's Cabinet, an advisory board for the College of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Julie has been honored as Leader of the Year by the Missouri Public Charter School Association and has been featured in several publications, including Parade Magazine. Her dedication to education, leadership, and character development continues to inspire and transform schools, making her a distinguished figure in the educational community.