John Rex Charter School (JRCS) announced Aaron Kellert will be its elementary principal for the upcoming school year — the school’s 11th year since its creation as part of the Oklahoma City MAPS for Kids initiative. Kellert is a proven, experienced educator who currently leads Nichols Hills Elementary. 

 Kellert joins JRCS after working in Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) for more than a decade. Before leading Nichols Hills Elementary, he was the principal of F.D. Moon Academy and an assistant principal at different OKCPS schools. He is well-known among the metro-area education community for his role in OKCPS’ Pathways to Greatness program, which involved the district closing two schools (West Nichols Hills and North Highland elementaries) and combining them into one home at Nichols Hills Elementary. Kellert quickly unified his new school community and led it to be one of OKCPS’ most diverse and highest performing elementary schools. 

 JRCS Superintendent Patrick Duffy said this success makes Kellert uniquely qualified to take John Rex Elementary to its next level amid an era of growth and change for the district.  

 “Aaron is a student-centered educator who is an avid supporter of the curriculum and teaching methods we use at John Rex, making him a great fit for our team,” he said. “We have so many fun opportunities coming up for our students, and we look forward to having Aaron onboard to help us usher in these new initiatives.” 

 Kellert holds a master’s degree in educational leadership, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music. He said he accepted the role at John Rex because it provides him an opportunity to continue his work to create learning communities built on high expectations, mutual respect and positive energy. 

 “I can’t wait to meet the staff, students and families and build a new home for myself at John Rex,” said Kellert. “There are unique opportunities afforded to the students at John Rex, and I am eager to continue helping them grow.” 

About John Rex Charter School  

John Rex Charter School offers a one-of-a-kind, quality education to economically and racially diverse students. The school is strategically placed in downtown Oklahoma City to provide teachers and students easy access to government, legal and cultural opportunities. The campus’ proximity to the Civic Center Music Hall, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and City Hall gives students walking access to multiple learning experiences. For more information, visit johnrexschool.org.