Jonas Cleaves

Chief of Student Experience and Equity

About – Jonas Cleaves

Jonas G. Cleaves is the Chief of Student Experience and Equity for Noble Schools, bringing more than 20 years of experience serving students, families, and educators in historically underserved communities. A proud Chicago native whose connection to Noble is both professional and personal, Jonas has dedicated his career to creating safe and inclusive learning environments where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University. Prior to this role, Jonas served as Principal of Bulls College Prep and, previously, of Johnson College Prep, where he led transformative efforts that improved scholar achievement, strengthened school culture, increased retention, and expanded postsecondary opportunities. Earlier in his career, as Founding Principal of Bluff City High School in Memphis, he led the school to achieve the highest academic growth rating in the state of Tennessee. Guided by his belief that “Love is a Verb,” Jonas is committed to partnering with school leaders and communities to ensure every Noble student experiences belonging, equity, and the conditions necessary to lead choice-filled lives.

Why do you work at Noble?

As a Chicago native, this work is deeply personal. I’ve seen what can happen when young people are underestimated and what is possible when they are surrounded by adults who believe in them and refuse to give up on them. I believe Love is a Verb. It looks like showing up consistently, building authentic relationships, and creating the conditions for students to discover who they are and who they can become.

Who was your favorite teacher while growing up?

Mrs. Lockhart, my 7th-grade teacher, was the first educator who saw something in me and nurtured it. She affirmed my dreams and intentionally created opportunities for me to live them out in her classroom. My school was pretty tough, and my mom seriously considered transferring me. In the end, she kept me there because she said something I’ll never forget: “Mrs. Lockhart loves you like I do.”.

Favorite thing about Noble or favorite Noble moment?

There are many things that I love about Noble, but I’m particularly drawn to underdog and comeback stories. Whether it’s sports teams like Rauner’s comeback in the 2012 Baseball Championship, school communities like DRW’s transformation through its House System, or the countless students who have found their footing after difficult seasons, those stories resonate with me. There is something powerful about people and communities refusing to be defined by their circumstances. Those stories inspire me, challenge me, and ultimately push me to go even harder.

What do you/your department do at Noble?

As Chief of Student Experience and Equity, I have the privilege of partnering with school and NST leaders to create the conditions where every student feels seen, safe, and supported. My work centers primarily on school culture, promotion, athletics, and equity as these are essential pillars in actualizing our mission of preparing students to lead choice filled lives.

Start at Noble?

2009

Hometown:

Chicago, IL – Southside

Education:

Northeastern Illinois University (B.A. in Marketing)
Lehigh University (M.Ed. in Education Leadership)