My name is Joffrey Bywater, and I am the new principal of Chateaux School.  Serving as a principal is an honor and privilege and comes with great responsibilities.  You have my word that I will not take my responsibilities lightly to serve the staff, students, and families of District 144.  I have learned from Mr. Greene all the wonderful things that have gone on at Chateaux in the previous years.  I plan to help our school community leverage and build on our strengths and make Chateaux the best possible school for everyone!

I can't wait to get to meet each of you and your children, but in the meantime, I would like to tell you a little about myself.  Some of my hobbies and interests include basketball, Detroit sports, fantasy basketball, grilling, Halloween, haunted houses and anything scary, history, Michigan State Spartans, pickleball, poker, listening to Prince, and watching Star Wars.  However, my absolute favorite things involve spending time with my fiance Stefani and our five kids—Sariah (16), Joslyn (12), Madelyn (9), Mateo (7), and Brooklyn (4).  

I graduated Cum Laude from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Education, Summa Cum Laude with a Master's in Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, and I have a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard's Graduate School of Education.  I've spent the past 16 years in Chicago Public Schools at Urban Prep Academy as a teacher, department chair, basketball coach, assistant principal, and for the past five years, the principal.

As a parent and educator, I am excited to work with you all to ensure that each and every Chateaux student receives the best possible educational experience.  Together we can ensure that our kids are ready to succeed this year and beyond—at Prairie-Hills Junior High, then in high school, then in college.  Let’s continue building a strong foundation!

Here's to a great 2023-2024 school year!

J. Bywater

Principal

Chateaux School