Christopher Graves

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

In the fall of 2024, Dr. Graves joined 18 other school administrators from around the country to visit London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom through a Fulbright exchange, to learn about their model of education and how it can inform and support research into improving outcomes for students here at home. Through school visits, reflective meetings with educational and municipal leaders, and ongoing collaboration within the Fulbright network. This work will transcend the time spent abroad, leading to advocacy and shifting practices in school leaders who opt into the important takeaways from opportunities such as this.