Ray Garcia-Morales

Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is an experienced educational leader with over 25 years of dedication to student success and school improvement. He has held various leadership roles 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 always been centered around fostering an environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full academic and personal potential. Ray’s career began in 2004 as a School Social Worker at the Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts, where he supported students by addressing their academic and emotional needs. He worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds, including multilingual learners and students with special needs, to ensure they received the necessary support to thrive. His experience in social work taught him the importance of a holistic approach to education that addresses academic progress and emotional well-being. After relocating to Seattle, Ray continued his work in social services at Cleveland High School, advocating for students and helping to create a positive school environment. In 2011, Ray transitioned into leadership, starting as a Principal Intern and later taking on roles as Dean of Students and Assistant Principal at Tyee High School. His time at Tyee focused on improving school culture and ensuring students felt supported and had the resources to succeed. He later returned to Cleveland High School as Assistant Principal, where he continued his efforts to build a safe and inclusive learning environment, focusing on increasing academic achievement and strengthening community engagement. In 2021, Ray became the Principal of Chief Sealth International High School. He led efforts to improve student outcomes and school culture in this role. His leadership prioritized student safety, academic excellence, and mental health support. Ray worked closely with staff to provide professional development opportunities and ensure students received the necessary resources to succeed. His leadership at Chief Sealth improved academic performance, a stronger sense of community, and a greater focus on student well-being. In addition to his work in education, Ray co-founded Rebels & Scholars, a clothing brand that promoted social justice and raised awareness for important causes. Through this business, he worked to support undocumented students by providing scholarships and creating community-driven events. Although Ray eventually stepped away from the brand to focus on his role as Principal, his efforts with Rebels & Scholars continue to have a lasting impact on the community. Ray is also deeply committed to community service and has worked with various organizations, including El Centro de la Raza, YouthCare, and the Latino Community Fund. His volunteer efforts extend to the Union Gospel Mission and the Washington State Department of Corrections, where he continues to support initiatives that improve mental health and well-being in underserved communities. A Seattle native, Ray Garcia-Morales is inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, which drives his passion for education and community service. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed, and his work continues to positively impact the lives of students, families, and communities.