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Alumni Spotlight: Jaylon Jones – From Da Vinci to Stanford and Beyond

College and career success doesn’t happen by chance — it’s built through purpose, persistence, and the people who believe in you. At Da Vinci Schools, that belief runs deep. From project-based learning and real-world experiences to the powerful mentorship of teachers who see each student’s potential, Da Vinci students gain more than academic skills — they gain the confidence, curiosity, and community that prepare them to thrive in college, career, and life.

Jaylon Jones, a Da Vinci Communications Class of 2022 graduate, is living proof of that impact. Now a fourth-year student at Stanford University exploring the intersections of politics, history, and social change, Jaylon continues to draw on the lessons and relationships that shaped him at Da Vinci — turning early encouragement into lifelong purpose and using his education to create meaningful change in the world.

Discovering Passion and Purpose
At Stanford, Jaylon is pursuing his deep interest in public policy, justice, and the human experience.

“I’m studying Political Science and History, both of which have naturally been my favorite passions for some time now,” Jaylon shares. “What excites me most is how they challenge me to think and confront my own biases. I often face material or viewpoints that go against my own, but that exposure helps me consider other ways of thinking. It’s made me a better student and advocate.”

That openness to challenge and growth has defined Jaylon’s journey. He’s especially fascinated by how people communicate – and miscommunicate – across differing perspectives.

“I’m taking a class on deliberative democracy, and I’m really interested in how we, as a society, talk to one another, especially when it comes to political or controversial topics.”

Making History at Stanford
Jaylon’s curiosity has led him beyond the classroom. As a Research Assistant in Stanford’s Department of History at Stanford, he works with professor projects on civil rights, social movements, and African American history. His work has included building an AI model to predict judicial opinions and helping digitize Dr. King’s manuscripts at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute.

“It was incredibly eye-opening,” he says. “I gained a deeper understanding of Dr. King, his motivations, his busy life, and his character. My research has given me an even greater appreciation for the leaders and movements that shaped our society.”

Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Jaylon has also made an impact as the Founder and President of The United Afro Student Organizations (UASO), a nonprofit that builds cultural awareness, social justice, and community engagement among African American students and allies.

“I started The UASO after creating my student club at DVC,” Jaylon explains. “With help from Regina (Flores), my 9th Grade English and Communications teacher, I launched the club and later expanded it into a nonprofit to turn our conversations into action. We hosted charity events, raised over $5,000, and helped around 500 people. The organization taught me what it truly means to work hard and lead with purpose.”

His interest in law, he says, was first sparked by History teacher Rob Allen's Supreme Court simulation project at Da Vinci Communications.

“Understanding, interpreting, and applying the law is, in its own way, an art. I hope to be part of the movement that brings positive change to our communities.”

Rooted in Da Vinci
When asked whether his high school self could have imagined being at Stanford, Jaylon reflects thoughtfully: 

“Absolutely not. My arrival at Stanford is the result of standing on the shoulders of giants, the teachers and administrators at DVC. When I first arrived, I was still the same lost, unmotivated, and misguided Jaylon I had been in middle school,” he recalls.

DVC teachers like Regina, Daramola, Deepti, and Rob pushed him to discover his potential. 

“Regina saw me as a person with untapped potential. Year after year, I engaged with teachers on a deeper level – conversations with Daramola, time in marketing with Deepti, and intellectually engaging talks with Rob. Each of them pushed me to do more. That support made Stanford possible.”

Jaylon credits Da Vinci’s Presentations of Learning (POLs) and project-based approach, for giving him lifelong confidence.

“POLs don’t just help you grasp material; they push you to master it by teaching it back to others. Da Vinci’s emphasis on public speaking has served me so well. Working in marketing with Deepti also taught me how to be an effective communicator.”

Confidence, Community, and Connection
Beyond academics, Jaylon values Da Vinci’s culture of connection. 

“It was always easy for me to talk and engage with my teachers. There’s something special about the student-faculty relationships at DV,” he says. “My mother is a teacher, so I understand what the typical student-teacher dynamic is like, but DV is different. There’s a kind of magic here that I haven’t seen at other schools.”

That same spirit has followed him to Stanford.

“The way Da Vinci is structured encourages students to engage with their teachers on a personal level. Many teachers go by their first names, and office hours often feel like intimate study sessions, just like in college. Today, I find it easy to connect with my professors because Da Vinci taught me how to build those relationships.”

A Message to Future Trailblazers
Looking ahead, Jaylon hopes to continue making an impact through law and leadership, but he also reflects on how far he’s come.

“If I could talk to my high school self, I’d tell him that I’m proud of him,” he says. “I’ve always been my toughest critic, but I wish my younger self knew that every step mattered.”

To prospective families and current students, his message is clear: 

“Da Vinci will absolutely prepare you for college, even for elite universities like Stanford. More importantly, Da Vinci doesn’t just invest in students; it invests in people. That focus on developing the person behind the student is what makes Da Vinci so impactful.”

And for those navigating their own college journeys:

“Focus on what you can control: your effort, your essays, your preparation. Choose schools that will make you better, not just as a student but as a person. And embrace setbacks. I’ve learned more from my shortcomings than from any success. Our failures help shape us in a positive way.”

When asked how he defines success today, Jaylon shared thoughtfully:

“I measure success not only by accomplishing goals but by how I serve others,” he says. “Am I making others better? Am I improving the world I live in? My hope is always to be someone who contributes positively to society.”

Real World Learning, Real Impact
Jaylon’s journey from a DVC student to a Stanford scholar and community leader exemplifies what it means to be a Da Vincian. Through resilience, reflection, and the influence of educators who believed in him, he’s proving that real-world learning – and the power of people – can truly lead to real-world change. 

We wish Jaylon the best of luck with his future endeavors and can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes as an attorney.

Gloria Perez Oct 31, 2025 Comments Disabled

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