Dr. Chris Graves is a dedicated school principal in Chicago, Illinois, leading Jordan Community Elementary with a commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success. He is deeply inspired by the diversity of the school’s community, which primarily serves refugee and newcomer families from across the globe. With over 30 languages spoken by students and their families, Jordan Elementary thrives as a reflection of the resilience, strength, and aspirations of its community.

Dr. Graves firmly believes in empowering his staff to support students academically and socially. By creating a supportive environment for his team, Dr. Graves ensures that students receive the resources, encouragement, and culturally responsive instruction they need to thrive.

With a passion for collaboration and a data-informed approach, Dr. Graves integrates research and strategic practices into his leadership. His work focuses on supporting newcomer students and their families holistically—helping them achieve academic goals while also addressing social and emotional needs. Under his leadership, Jordan Elementary has achieved a significant reduction in chronic absenteeism, dropping from 39% to 18% in two years — a 54% decrease, with more work to do — strengthening student engagement and opportunity.

Dr. Graves is committed to sharing his insights with other administrators and to deepening collective understanding of how to serve diverse communities effectively.