Welcome!
My name is Lara Perfecto, and I’m proud to be a 4th grade teacher at DMCS. This is my 12th year in education (and my 11th year at DMCS), and I feel incredibly fortunate to work in such a supportive and welcoming community. Teaching your children is truly an honor!
I’m passionate about math, art, and sharing great stories through read-alouds. I believe in teaching the whole child—supporting academic growth while nurturing social and emotional development.
I grew up moving between California, Japan, Singapore, and Washington State, eventually settling back in California as a teenager. Now, I live in Davis with my husband, Dario, and our two dogs, Cocoa and Bear. We have three wonderful children—Rylan, Ashton, and Natalia—and enjoy movie and game nights as a family. Outside of teaching, I’m an avid reader, love to swim, and am slightly obsessed with frogs! You’ll often find me outdoors paddleboarding or hiking—two activities that truly fill my heart.
Before becoming a teacher, I spent about a decade in Business Management. It wasn’t until I volunteered in my son’s 1st grade class (he’s now 27!) that I discovered my true calling. After years of hard work and sacrifice, I earned my degree and became a teacher—a decision that changed my life.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies from Chico State, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master’s in Education (with a focus in Math/Science) from UC Davis, and an Autism Spectrum Disorders Added Authorization from UMass Global.