Erwin McIntosh Jr. appointed principal of Summit Academy

By Denise Henry, Director of Communications
Summit Academy Management

The emotional rush of the start of a new school year does not  exclusively apply to students and families, but to school administrators and teachers as well. Just ask Erwin McIntosh Jr., who will lead Summit Academy  School – Cincinnati as principal, beginning this school year.

Although McIntosh is no stranger directing schools — having served as interim principal of both the K-8 and 9-12 Summit Academy Cincinnati schools last year — he shares a humble sentiment. “I am nervous, excited and looking forward to learning and growing into my new position,” he says.

McIntosh says he looks forward to nurturing a team-like atmosphere among his staff, energizing restorative practices that reward students for positive behavior and implementing increased educational and enrichment student outings.

“We care deeply about our students, their education and their family needs,” he says.

Likewise, with his staff and supervisors, McIntosh draws on experiences and insight he gained while serving earlier as the assistant principal for Summit Academy Community School – Cincinnati.               

“I learned that I don’t have to know everything and to ask questions and not be afraid to ask for help,” he says. “I also learned to be open and honest with those who I report to and those who report to me, and to focus on what is right versus who is right.”

McIntosh joined Summit Academy– Cincinnati in 2020 as a therapeutic martial arts teacher. Soon after, he took on the role of mathematics teacher. He is an 8^th Degree Black Belt in Moo Kuk Kwon Tang Soo Do (Korean Style Karate), the Grandmaster Karate instructor in the National Black Belt Karate Association Foundation and Chief Martial Arts Instructor at Bethel AME Church in Cincinnati.

McIntosh was licensed to preach in 1997 by the Gospel from Quinn Chapel AME Church in Forest Park, Ohio. In 2001, he became a pastor. The Rev. McIntosh is currently the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Lockland, Ohio. He also is the past president of the Greater Cincinnati Ministerial Alliance and has served as a pastor for several churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

McIntosh earned both his Associate and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Cincinnati. He went on to receive a Master of Science in Administration and Master of Divinity from Central Michigan University and Payne Theological Seminary, respectively. He also served in the United States Army as a lab technologist.

Summit Academy is a public, nonprofit community schools specializing in special education. Classes for the 2025-2026 school year at Summit Academy School – Cincinnati, located at 1660 Sternblock Lane, began August 25.