Michael Kuran

Dr. Michael Kuran is a dedicated educational leader with over 22 years of experience in K-12 education. He began his career as a mathematics teacher in Columbus, OH, before transitioning into school leadership. After earning a master’s degree in educational leadership, he took on his first administrative role as assistant principal at Horizon Science Academy, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a new high school program. He later became the founding principal of HSA Dayton Elementary School.

Dr. Kuran continued his leadership journey as the principal of Quest Charter Academy in Peoria, where he successfully launched a new high school program. In 2015, he moved to Chicago to serve as principal of the Chicago Math and Science Academy, leading the school for seven years. During this time, he completed a second master’s degree in STEM Leadership at the Illinois Institute of Technology and later earned a doctoral degree in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Kuran’s leadership has been widely recognized. In 2020, he was named a “Game Changer” Principal by Chicago Public Schools. The following year, he was selected as a Principal of the Year Finalist by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. In 2022, he was again honored as a Finalist for Illinois Principal of the Year by Golden Apple.

Currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer of Concept Schools, Dr. Kuran oversees the network’s PreK-12 academic programs, leading curriculum development, instructional initiatives, and strategic planning. Most recently, he was selected for the prestigious Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, where he represented the United States in the United Kingdom alongside 19 other national school leaders.

Dr. Kuran resides in Chicago with his wife, Sophia, and their two children.