The study aimed at examining challenges faced by school heads in maintaining students‟ academic performance in private secondary schools in Tanga and Korogwe districts. The study was guided by three specific objectives namely, to identify roles of heads of private secondary schools, to examine the challenges faced them in maintaining academic performance and to evaluate the strategies they apply in solving such challenges. The study was guided by Administrative Management and Scientific Management theories founded by Henry Fayol and Fredrick. Mixed research approach and convergent parallel research design were employed. Thirty nine participants were involved in the study. The study employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques as questionnaires and interview guides were used in data collection. The validity was ensured through member checking methods. The reliability was ensured through split half method. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS software version 20 and presented through frequencies, percentages, figures and tables while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and presented through quotations and narrations. The findings revealed that major roles of school heads were planning, supervising, coordinating and monitoring, while the challenges they face included inadequate funds, competition, low enrolment, fee-free basic education policy and high taxation by TRA. The strategies used to overcome the challenges include motivation of teachers and students, marketing schools and monitoring discipline. The study concluded that challenges faced by school heads are inadequate funds, lack of motivation and low enrolment of students. It is thus recommended that school owners find other sources of funds, government reform policy for affordable taxes and restrictions, parents fulfil their responsibility of providing their children with school needs and teachers be facilitated with regular in-service training.