Student journalist Zoey Garcia sits down to interview one of the principals at Santa Rosa Academy in Menifee, California. In a conversation that ranges from her days as a student in Mexico to her vision for education today, Principal Karla Galicia reflects on the values that guide her work and her hopes for students at Santa Rosa.
The charter school, which serves more than 2,000 students across multiple grade levels, is known in the region for its emphasis on academic excellence, college and career readiness, and close-knit community. Santa Rosa Academy has a unique leadership model with several principals overseeing different divisions: Adriana Salazar leads the Elementary School, Michael Gray heads the Secondary School, and Ms Galicia serves as the High School Principal.
Since joining Santa Rosa in 2016, Ms Galicia has become a cornerstone of the high school community. She is admired for her approachable leadership style, her dedication to equity, and her commitment to helping every student see a clear pathway toward their goals after graduation. “We focus on fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment that prioritizes student achievement, educator empowerment, and college and career readiness,” she explains.
Her own academic journey continues as well. According to her LinkedIn profile, she is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational change and administration at California Baptist University while also earning a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature from Idaho State University. Colleagues say her love of learning sets the tone for the campus, reminding students that education is a lifelong pursuit.
For Ms Galicia, leading a high school is more than a job; it’s a calling. Growing up in Mexico, she remembers the structure of school uniforms, the rigor of her teachers, and the importance of family support. Those experiences, she says, shaped her determination to create an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and prepared for life after high school.
“Principal Galicia is always visible: she knows the students by name, and she believes in us,” said one senior during a recent campus event. That kind of feedback is not unusual; students often describe her as someone who sets high expectations while making sure they know she’s in their corner.
At Santa Rosa Academy, that balance of challenge and support reflects a wider culture of excellence. With leaders like Ms Galicia at the helm, the school continues to position itself as a place where students not only succeed academically but also grow in confidence, resilience, and vision for their futures.
