Dr. Taquia Hylton

School Principal, CICS Ralph Ellison High School

Dr. Taquia Hylton began educating children at the age of 18 when she was one of sixty high school seniors in Illinois selected as a Golden Apple Scholar. While under the tutelage of the Golden Apple Foundation, a prestigious organization that develops and supports teaching excellence in Illinois schools of need, Dr. Hylton received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University (NIU) with endorsements in Middle School, Mathematics, Language Arts, and Social Sciences. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree and Certification in Educational Leadership from Governor’s State University. She continued her studies at NIU and earned an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S), Superintendent Endorsement, and Doctorate (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Dr. Hylton is a former school administrator in Chicago & Dolton Public Schools with several years of experience in using data to inform instructional decision-making. During her career, she has served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, Classroom Teacher, and Professional Development Provider for the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). Through her experience and qualifications, Dr. Hylton is able to provide coaching and support for staff, leaving them feeling informed and empowered to move forward in their efforts to help all scholars excel in college, careers, and life.

Her leadership excellence led to her selection as one of twenty-one 2023 CPS Principal Game Changers in August 2023.