School Leadership

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.

Dr. Joy Austin joins our school community as Assistant Principal, bringing more than 15 years of experience in education as a teacher, program leader, and school administrator. Her career spans elementary through high school and includes work in traditional public schools, charter schools, county offices of education, and specialized programs, giving her a rare, well-rounded view of what students need to succeed at every stage.

Dr. Austin is deeply committed to educational equity and to building schools where every student is set up to thrive academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. That includes strong, specialized experience supporting students with IEPs and other unique learning needs, so families can count on a leader who understands what that support really requires.

She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University, where her research focused on how schools can more effectively support students' behavioral and emotional needs.

Dr. Austin is excited to partner with students, staff, families, and the broader community to strengthen our school culture, build a strong sense of belonging, and open up new opportunities for every student. She leads with purpose, integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every learner. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, giving back to her community, and continuing to learn and grow.