Meet our team

As Principal of Akron Preparatory School, Jon Thompson leads a K–8 learning community focused on academic excellence, character development, and preparing scholars for success in school and beyond. With more than a decade of experience in education, Thompson has dedicated his career to improving student achievement, strengthening school culture, and creating systems that support students, families, and educators. Throughout his career, Thompson has served in leadership roles across Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida, including Principal, Dean of Students, Dean of Culture, and Dean of Social Emotional Learning. His experience includes leading school improvement initiatives, developing schoolwide systems that support academic and behavioral growth, coaching educators, and building meaningful partnerships with families and communities. A strong believer in the power of relationships and intentional systems, Thompson uses data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and strategic planning to create environments where students and staff can thrive. His leadership has focused on improving attendance, increasing student engagement, strengthening behavior systems, and establishing consistent structures that support long-term success. His leadership philosophy is centered on the belief that every student deserves to be known by name, valued as an individual, challenged to achieve at high levels, and equipped with the skills needed for lifelong success. He believes successful schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment from students, families, educators, and the community. Thompson’s educational philosophy is grounded in the 4 E’s to Academic Success: Education, Economics, Environment, and Exposure. He believes students thrive when they receive rigorous instruction, understand future opportunities, learn in a safe and supportive environment, and experience opportunities that expand their vision for what is possible. A former collegiate student-athlete, Thompson played football and competed in track and field at the University of Richmond before continuing his athletic career at Walsh University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. Those experiences shaped his belief in discipline, teamwork, accountability, and the importance of developing the whole person. Originally from Maryland and now a member of the Akron community with his daughter, Laila, Thompson is committed to partnering with students, families, staff, and community members to build a school culture where every scholar has the opportunity to grow, achieve, and succeed.

Ashley Miles became principal of Akron Preparatory School in 2019 with over 15 years of experience working as an educator and school administrator. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools in 2017 as Dean of Students at Canton College Preparatory School, Ms. Miles worked for ICAN Schools in Northeast Ohio and at the Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy. A strong believer in education, Ms. Miles has earned multiple graduate degrees. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Miami University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s degree in Education emphasizing Curriculum and Instruction from Ashford University in San Diego. At the core of Ms. Miles’ award-winning school leadership work is building school culture, working tirelessly from her personal mantra “I can do all things through Christ” and other inspirations such as Michelle Obama, “When they go low, you go high”.