Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is an experienced educational leader with over 25 years of dedication to enhancing student success, equity, and school transformation. He has held leadership positions throughout his career, including Assistant Principal at Tyee High School and Cleveland High School and Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. His work has focused on creating educational environments where students thrive academically and personally, ensuring they feel supported, safe, and empowered to succeed.
Ray began his career in education in 2004 as a School Social Worker at the Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts. There, he worked closely with students to address mental health challenges, support academic progress, and ensure students' voices were heard in school decisions. This role deepened his belief that education should nurture every aspect of a student’s development, including their emotional and social well-being. After relocating to Seattle, Ray continued his work as a School Social Worker at Cleveland High School before transitioning into school administration.
In 2011, Ray moved into leadership roles as Principal Intern, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal at Tyee High School, where he focused on improving school culture and creating an inclusive environment for all students. His leadership in these roles helped to ensure students felt safe and supported, allowing them to focus on their academic growth. He later returned to Cleveland High School as Assistant Principal, where he continued to build on his work with students, increasing academic rigor, improving school safety, and strengthening community ties.
Ray’s leadership journey culminated in his appointment as Principal at Chief Sealth International High School in 2021. During his tenure, he prioritized student safety, academic achievement, and students' mental health. His leadership helped improve student outcomes and fostered a positive school environment where every student needed the resources to succeed. Ray focused on staff development, instructional leadership, and securing the necessary funding to support the school’s needs, ensuring that students excelled academically and thrived in a supportive community.
