Ray Garcia-Morales
Ray Garcia-Morales
Principal Ray Garcia-Morales is a dedicated educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in the school system. He has worked in various leadership roles, including Principal at Chief Sealth International High School and Assistant Principal at Cleveland and Tyee High Schools. Throughout these years, he has focused on ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed, emphasizing fostering safe, inclusive, and high-achieving learning environments.
Garcia-Morales' career began in school social work, where he provided critical support to multilingual learners and students with special needs. His work as a social worker emphasized the importance of advocating for students’ academic and emotional needs, which profoundly influenced his approach to educational leadership. His time in The Bronx helped him understand how essential it is to address students' academic challenges and emotional well-being in a supportive and effective learning environment.
As he moved into administrative roles, Garcia-Morales focused on student success, working as Assistant Principal at Tyee High School and later at Cleveland High School. He focused on improving school culture, maintaining academic rigor, and ensuring every student felt safe and supported. His leadership in these roles further cemented his belief that schools should be inclusive and provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or challenges.
In 2021, Ray Garcia-Morales became the Principal at Chief Sealth International High School. In this role, he has worked to create a positive school culture centered around academic excellence and mental health support. He believes a thriving school environment requires focusing on students' emotional well-being and academic achievement. As Principal, Garcia-Morales has worked to ensure that students have access to the resources they need to excel, and he has prioritized initiatives that support mental health and overall student wellness.
Under his leadership, Chief Sealth has seen positive changes, including improvements in both academic outcomes and the overall school climate. His focus on professional development for teachers, instructional leadership, and community involvement has created an environment where students feel empowered and motivated to succeed. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students are supported and that the school is well-equipped to meet their diverse needs.
In addition to his work in education, Garcia-Morales co-founded Rebels & Scholars. This clothing brand combined his love for the Pacific Northwest with a commitment to social justice. The brand was designed to support students, particularly undocumented individuals, by providing scholarships for higher education. Although the brand was successful, he stepped away from his responsibilities as a principal, demonstrating his dedication to education and student success.
Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Garcia-Morales has been actively involved in several community organizations, including El Centro de la Raza, YouthCare, and FareStart. His commitment to social justice and community engagement is evident in his volunteer work, which continues today. He currently volunteers with the Union Gospel Mission and the Washington State Department of Corrections, where he supports mental health initiatives and works to improve the well-being of underserved communities.
As a Seattle native, Garcia-Morales finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From urban parks to the Cascade Mountains, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, which offers him moments of reflection and balance. This connection to nature has influenced his leadership approach and commitment to community engagement, helping him remain grounded in his work.
Ray Garcia-Morales’ leadership and advocacy for students have impacted the schools and communities he has served. His dedication to creating supportive learning environments and his belief in the power of education as a tool for social change continues to guide his work. He remains committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
Garcia-Morales’ career in education is a testament to his unwavering dedication to student success, equity, and community involvement. Through his leadership, he has influenced countless lives and will continue to leave a positive educational legacy.