Elijah Bonde is currently the principal at Nativity Prep Academy (NPA), an independent Catholic middle school that serves low-income first-generation students, in San Diego. He began his work at NPA in 2005 as an AmeriCorps volunteer teacher for two year. In 2007, he moved to New York City to work at St. Aloysius School in Harlem, another member school in the NativityMiguel Coalition. After one year in New York, Elijah returned to NPA to continue his work as a teacher. In 2014, he stepped into the role of instructional leader for the school and has continued in this position.

In 2005, Elijah graduated from the University of San Diego (USD) with a BA in Philosophy. While serving at NPA as an AmeriCorps volunteer teacher, Elijah completed his single subject teaching credential in English and Science at USD. Also at USD, he completed his MA in Leadership Studies in 2015.

Elijah’s work at NPA has focused on transitioning the school toward 21st century learning with an emphasis on active learning environments, incorporating technology, and increasing rigor. He has also focused on developing a professional learning community that is rooted in collaboration and addressing the individual needs of each teacher. Elijah is also well versed in data analysis and has been supporting NPA in becoming a more data informed institution.

Elijah has also worked on connecting NPA with the Diocese of San Diego. He currently serves on the Curriculum Leadership Team. Elijah looks for opportunities to present at conferences and to support schools through their accreditation processes.

Elijah is a husband and father of two daughters (ages 3.5 and 1). Both girls attend a local Catholic school in their infant and preschool programs. Elijah’s wife, Kelly, is the principal at another Catholic school, St. Katharine Drexel Academy.