Principal's Message
Dear YES Prep North Central Elementary Families,
At YES Prep North Central Elementary, it is truly an honor to serve our students, families, and community. As Principal, I am proud to welcome you to a school community grounded in excellence, joy, and a deep commitment to student success. By choosing YES Prep North Central Elementary, you are choosing a school that believes every child deserves a high-quality, engaging, and supportive educational experience.
At North Central Elementary, we believe our students thrive when strong partnerships exist between school and home. We are committed to building meaningful relationships with our families and community to ensure every student feels safe, valued, challenged, and inspired each day they walk through our doors. Our goal is to create a learning environment where every SPARK can discover their strengths, ignite their potential, and grow both academically and personally.
We remain committed to excellence in all that we do from rigorous and engaging instruction to fostering a positive school culture rooted in our SPARKS core values: self-aware, passionate, achiever, relentless, kind, and safe. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to ensure students receive the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive.
We understand choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we are honored that you have entrusted us with your child’s education. At YES Prep North Central Elementary, your child will be welcomed with care, supported through every challenge, celebrated for every success, and encouraged to dream big. We are excited to partner with you and look forward to an incredible year together as one North Central Elementary community.
Jamelle K. Smith
Principal
About Principal Smith
Jamelle K. Smith was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Illinois, where her educational journey was shaped by attending a magnet school that offered an alternative learning path. It was there that her passion for education first took root. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Bradley University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
Jamelle began her career at George Henry Corliss High School in Chicago, where she taught students with disabilities. She also served as the Special Education Case Manager, advisor of the peer jury, after-school program coordinator, and track and field coach. As a member of the school’s Leadership Team and the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement Team, she represented the special education department with distinction.
In 2011, Jamelle joined KIPP Chicago as the Special Education Coordinator for two campuses. In 2015, she relocated to Houston, Texas, where she continued her impact in education through her work with YES Prep Public Schools. There, she held a variety of leadership roles, including Special Education Manager/Compliance Specialist, Dean of Instruction, Director of Academics, and Assistant Principal.
Outside of her professional work, Jamelle enjoys crafting, watching Hallmark movies, spending time with family and friends, and staying active with her sorority. Her career has been driven by a deep commitment to student success, equity, and building strong school communities.