Derek Pinto, Principal

Dear Ladera Families,

It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the students and the Ladera school community. I look forward to leading a caring, high-performing school staff that is focused on powerful teaching and learning.

To provide you with a bit about my educational and professional background, I have completed two master’s degrees (Educational Administration and Business), and I am currently working on further studies in Educational Leadership. I have worked in the field of education in three countries: Japan, Canada and the United States. My professional experience spans K-12 and college level work. In the K-12 setting, I have worked as a substitute teacher, a teacher, an Assistant Principal and a Principal. I have also worked for several multi-national corporations, and look forward to sharing these experiences and leveraging them to the benefit of our students.

On a personal note, our family is celebrating our 8^th year in California. My wife, Nouna, is currently at home looking after our two girls, Angelique (5), and Celeste (3), and our new arrival, a boy, Tristan born on August 9^th.

I am eagerly anticipating a challenging, exciting, successful school year. 

Derek Pinto, Principal

Read more about Mr. Pinto's philosophy and plans for Ladera HERE.