Welcome to
Carmel Del Mar

The School with A Heart!

  • This year, I will begin my 30th year as an educator. I am thrilled to be able to work in the Del Mar Union School District, and am looking forward to another incredible year at CDM!

  • I have experienced a variety of instructional opportunities throughout my years of service as an educator: I taught in the classroom for eight years at the elementary level; I was a site-based staff developer who supported colleagues in the areas of reading/language arts, science, and math instruction; I served as an Assistant Principal at Sage Canyon School; and I have served as an elementary school Principal since the 2007-2008 school year.

  • I received my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland (Go Terps!) and obtained my Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Elementary Mathematics & Science from Johns Hopkins University. I hold a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential as well as a California Administrative Services Credential.

Contact Information:

Email: jlerner@dmusd.org

Phone: (858) 481-6789

Educational Philosophy
&
What to Expect in the 2022-2023 School Year?

Julie Lerner, the principal of Carmel Del Mar School, has a strong background in educational leadership and instructional expertise.

My core leadership values include but are not limited to: being present and available to all stakeholders; guiding decisions based on what's best for students; nurturing a positive school culture where everyone believes all students can and will succeed; engaging in continuous improvement; taking good care of the staff; and leading with humor, warmth, energy and integrity. This is my fourth year at Carmel Del Mar, my seventeenth year serving as a site-based administrator and I have thirteen years of teaching experience at the elementary school level.

At Carmel Del Mar, our collective goal is to create a learning environment that is rigorous, innovative, inspiring and nurturing as we work together to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global society. We aspire to help students realize their individual potential through meaningful learning opportunities that cultivates a learning environment overflowing with collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and caring citizens.

Modern Learning Studios and flexible furnishings have been implemented in several of our K-6 classrooms, and we are so excited to continue this journey. Across our district, we believe the classroom is the "third teacher" and it is an essential element because agile and innovative learning environments can positively impact students' engagement in the teaching and learning process.

Life Outside of the Dragon's Lair

When not engaged in school-related activities, I enjoy spending most of my time laughing with and living in the company of my family and friends. I love to travel, play softball, spend time on the beach, go for long walks, explore America’s Finest City, host family and friends visiting from the East Coast, read, and I am just beginning to learn how to play pickleball, so I'm working on my game!