Ray Garcia-Morales

Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is a dedicated educational leader with over 25 years of experience committed to promoting student success and transforming school environments. He has served in various leadership roles throughout his career, including Assistant Principal at Tyee High School, Cleveland High School, and Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. His primary focus has always been to create an environment where students are supported both academically and personally, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need 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. He worked with students to address their mental health needs, supported academic development, and advocated for multilingual learners and students with IEPs. His time in New York shaped his belief in the importance of addressing students' educational and emotional needs. After relocating to Seattle, he continued his work as a social worker at Cleveland High School, advocating for students and helping to foster a more inclusive school environment.

In 2011, Ray transitioned into administration, taking on the roles of Principal Intern, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal at Tyee High School. During this time, he worked to strengthen the school’s culture by creating a safe and supportive environment where students could thrive. His leadership at Tyee focused on improving academic standards, ensuring student safety, and building stronger connections between students, faculty, and the community. He returned to Cleveland High School in 2015 as Assistant Principal, where he continued his work to elevate academic achievement, improve school safety, and foster stronger relationships between students, staff, and families.

In 2021, Ray was appointed Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. His leadership at Chief Sealth focused on fostering a positive and inclusive school culture while improving academic outcomes. He emphasized the importance of mental health support and student engagement, ensuring students felt safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. His approach to leadership was also focused on staff development, instructional leadership, and securing diverse funding sources to enhance the school’s programs and initiatives.