Meet Your Principal

Mr. Jacob Theis grew up in the Yucaipa Valley and is returning to the Inland Empire to serve the community that shaped him as Principal of Scholarship Prep Upland. After more than a decade building his educational career in Los Angeles, he is ready for this next chapter.

With over ten years of experience in public education, including four years as Assistant Principal and one year as Principal at Magnolia Science Academy in Los Angeles, Mr. Theis brings a depth of experience to this role. His journey in education started as a physical educator. In this role, he discovered early on that the relationships he built with students mattered just as much as anything he taught them. That belief has driven his leadership ever since.

Along the way, he built meaningful community partnerships with organizations including the LA Department of Mental Health, LA County Metro, West Los Angeles College, and California State University, Dominguez Hills, and developed support systems designed to make sure every student gets what they need to succeed.

Mr. Theis leads by putting people first. He is committed to knowing his community, understanding its strengths, and showing up with genuine care for every student, family, and staff member. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master's degree in Education from California Baptist University.

Outside of school, he is a proud husband and father of two young children. He loves sports, car culture, and is happiest when there is dessert involved.

Ms. Chantel Van Pool is a seasoned TK-8 educator with 14 years of experience in education, serving as an interventionist, classroom teacher, and site administrator. Born in Orange, CA, she has lived in various parts of Southern California, ultimately settling in the Inland Empire, which she has called home for the past six years.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from UC Irvine and obtained a teaching credential from Concordia University Irvine. She later earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cal State Fullerton, preparing her for leadership roles in education.

Now entering her seventh year at Scholarship Prep, Ms. Van Pool has contributed to the school community as a first- and second-grade teacher, grade-level chair, lead teacher, Assistant Principal, and most recently as Principal of the Santa Ana Grand Avenue campus. In the 2025-2026 school year, she will take on an exciting new role as the inaugural principal of Scholarship Prep Upland, leading the launch of the new campus and establishing a strong foundation for its students and families. Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to student success, creating an inclusive school culture, and ensuring every child receives an equitable educational experience.

Beyond her work in education, Ms. Van Pool is a proud mother to her toddler, Henrie, with whom she spends all of her free time. A lifelong learner and fan of all things Disney and Harry Potter, she brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a student-centered vision to her role as Principal.