Health Services Academy High School

Born in Los Angeles, Principal Elward believes access to excellent education is a right of all students and families.

After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, Mr. Elward worked for two years in investment banking before embarking on his career in education. Mr. Elward recalls, “I made a choice to create a more meaningful life for myself by entering urban education as a teacher.” He credits his volunteer experiences with homeless families and at-risk youth as a student at Mater Dei High School as laying the foundation for his move into urban education.

Mr. Elward began his career in education teaching English at Gardena High School within the LAUSD. During his five years at Gardena, he taught Honors and general English courses across grades 9-12 within the Southern California International Business Academy. Mr. Elward also served as a New-Teacher mentor, faculty club advisor, and participant within numerous school committees.

Believing a small, personalized learning environment is most conducive to student success, Mr. Elward joined the faculty at Environment Charter High School in Lawndale, CA. He was a member of a leadership and teaching team that raised the school’s API score 214 points in four years. Mr. Elward also co-wrote school grants supporting interdisciplinary curriculum units and developed the school’s Community Service program among other undertakings.

During his four years at Environmental Charter, Mr. Elward continued his education at UCLA where he received a Masters degree through the Principal Leadership Institute. After receiving his administrative credential, he took the opportunity to join Alliance College-Ready Public Schools as an Assistant Principal. Mr. Elward served as an Assistant Principal at College-Ready Academy #4- ranked in 2008 as the 7th highest performing high school in the LAUSD.

Mr. Elward believes his accomplishments center on his students. “My greatest accomplishments are the accomplishments of my students. I enjoy keeping in contact with them, hearing about their successes and knowing I played a supportive role.”

A life-long learner, Mr. Elward is currently completing a Doctor of Education degree at USC.

Mr. Elward is married and has two children. He enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. Elward: “Family is the most important relationship in my world.” He also enjoys surfing, watching a good film, being outdoors, and traveling.