Jonas Cleaves

Chicago Bulls College Prep

Jonas Cleaves is the new Principal of Chicago Bulls College Prep. A native Chicagoan, Army Veteran and a graduate of Northeastern Illinois University and Lehigh University (MEd.).

His desire to make an impact in the education world was sparked while managing a prisoner re-entry program. This new passion and subsequent urgency led him to join a founding team of administrators in opening Muchin College Prep where he served as Dean of Culture and Assistant Principal.

After seven years at Muchin, Mr. Cleaves was selected to be a resident in The New Teacher Project’s (TNTP) school leadership program in Philadelphia, PA. This opportunity allowed him to study school models around the country to further strengthen his leadership acumen. Upon completing the TNTP school leadership program, Mr. Cleaves was selected as the Founding Principal of Bluff City High School in Memphis, TN. During his tenure, Bluff City HS was awarded the highest academic school rating from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Prior to Bulls Prep, Mr. Cleaves led Johnson College Prep, where he successfully helped reimagine the school community and fostered partnerships that will positively impact future generations.