Christopher Carlair

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Christopher studied English and Journalism at Morehouse College and The City College of New York - an experience that shaped his belief in the power of language, storytelling, and representation in the classroom. He began his career teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade, and brings a deep commitment to early literacy, student voice, and family partnership. He joined KIPP SoCal in 2022 as an Assistant School Leader after several years of teaching and leading in both New York and New Jersey. Before coming to Ignite, Christopher served as an Assistant Principal at KIPP New Jersey, where he helped build joyful, achievement-oriented school cultures across multiple grade levels. After 10 years in education, he became the Principal of Ignite, where he leads with a focus on Joy, Achievement, and Accountability - pillars that, together, build the most important one: PRIDE.