Neubauer Fellows Community

Joy Kingwood Ellis

Principal, Rhawnhurst School
School District of Philadelphia
2024 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K-5
Student Enrollment
600
School/Org Neighborhood
Rhawnhurst
Education
M.Ed., PreK-12 Administrative Certification, Cabrini University
BS in Elementary Education West Chester University
I serve as a principal because I am committed to creating access and opportunity for the students I serve. It is only through continued strategic efforts that we can close the learning gap to ensure our students experience success, both inside and outside the classroom!

Joy has served as principal of Rnawnhurst School since 2018. Under her leadership, Rhawnhurst School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon for
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools in 2020 for being among Pennsylvania’s highest performance in closing the gaps that exist between various student groups and the entire student body.

Joy has been an educator since 2010. During her teaching career, she worked extensively to increase student literacy skills and break down the learning gaps that created barriers for students. During her time as a classroom teacher, she was accepted to Philadelphia Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools (PhillyPLUS). After her acceptance in PhillyPLUS, she was hired as a Principal Fellow at Prince Hall School where she coached teachers around instructional best practices with an emphasis on implementing Common Core Standards with fidelity. Joy is a proud Philadelphia native and graduate of Merion Mercy Academy.

Fellow Listing