SAN DIEGO — Nativity Prep Academy began the new school year with a few changes in leadership.
The school is now headed for the first time by a female president and a female principal.
Jessica Hooper is the new president of Nativity Prep. Hooper joined the community in the Fall of 2021 as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. She has worked in San Diego’s Catholic schools for the last 20 years, most recently as the Assistant Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP).
Hooper succeeded Dr. Gil Brady, who recently completed his fourth year as president and has shifted his role to supporting Strategic Initiatives. He will focus his time and attention on projects that support the growth of the school program and increase opportunities for students and families.
Jodi Drake, who had been serving as Nativity Prep’s assistant principal, has assumed leadership of the middle school program as principal. Her immediate predecessor, Elijah Bonde, has moved into the role of Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Xochitl Alvarez continues to lead and develop the school’s Graduate Support Program (GSP) and is the longest-tenured employee of Nativity Prep.
Founded in 2001, Nativity Prep Academy is a unique, 11-year program serving 250 students annually from the sixth grade through college. It is dedicated to improving the lives of historically underserved, low-income students from San Diego, by preparing them to be first in their families to graduate from college. The current projected college graduation rate for Nativity Prep students is 83%, more than quadruple the rate for their demographic peers.
For more information, visit nativityprep.org or email ebonde@nativityprep.org.
