Ray Garcia-Morales

Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is an experienced and passionate educational leader with over 25 years of service in education. He has held several leadership roles, including Assistant Principal at Tyee High School and Cleveland High School and Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. He has focused on creating school environments where students achieve academic success and feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive socially and emotionally.

Ray’s career in education began in 2004 when he worked as a School Social Worker at the Bronx High School for Writing and Communication Arts. In this role, he provided critical support to students by addressing their academic and emotional needs, advocating for multilingual learners, and helping students with special needs navigate their educational journeys. This experience shaped his belief in the importance of a holistic education approach that combines academic excellence and emotional well-being. After relocating to Seattle, Ray continued his social work at Cleveland High School, focusing on advocating for students and helping foster a supportive learning environment.

In 2011, Ray transitioned into school administration, beginning as Principal Intern, then as Dean of Students, and later as Assistant Principal at Tyee High School. His leadership at Tyee centered on improving school culture, safety, and academic outcomes, ensuring that all students had the resources and support necessary to succeed. Ray then returned to Cleveland High School in 2015 as Assistant Principal, where he helped further improve the school’s academic performance, strengthen its community engagement, and enhance the overall student experience.

In 2021, Ray became the Principal at Chief Sealth International High School, where he focused on improving the school’s culture and student outcomes. Under his leadership, the school saw significant progress in student engagement, academic performance, and community involvement. He worked to create a more inclusive environment by prioritizing mental health support and ensuring that students received the necessary resources to succeed. He also led efforts to expand professional development for staff, which helped to improve instructional quality across the school.

In addition to his leadership in education, Ray co-founded Rebels & Scholars, a clothing brand with a mission to promote social justice. The brand aimed to raise awareness for undocumented students by offering scholarships and hosting community events like Pop Up Markets. Although Ray stepped away from the business to focus on his leadership role as Principal, his commitment to advocating for students and supporting underserved communities remains central to his work.

Ray is committed to giving back to his community and has contributed to several organizations, including El Centro de la Raza, YouthCare, and the Latino Community Fund. He continues volunteering with the Union Gospel Mission and the Washington State Department of Corrections, supporting mental health and community well-being initiatives.

A native of Seattle, Ray Garcia-Morales finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. His career reflects his dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. He remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of students and the broader community.