Concept Schools

Upon graduating from Illinois State University, Chris Murphy taught high school science and coached baseball in Chicago Public Schools, during which time he earned Masters' degrees in education from DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University.  While serving as a principal in the Chicago suburbs, he earned his Doctorate in Education from National-Louis University with research focused on Social Change Theory.

Dr. Murphy first joined Concept Schools, a non-profit charter management organization that provides comprehensive academic, operational, and financial services, in 2016.  As Chief Strategic Growth and Communications Officer, he oversees Network Growth and Sustainability, Marketing, Community and Media Relations, and Charter School Advocacy.

Dr. Murphy is a founding group member of the Horizon Science Academy Des Moines charter public school.  HSA Des Moines will open in Fall 2023 as a tuition-free and non-selective elementary school that will enroll roughly 200 Kindergarten-3rd grade students.

He deeply believes in the potential of all students and is committed to expanding high-quality free educational opportunities for low-income and minority students.