In a unanimous decision by the Arcadia Unified School District Board of Education, Dr. Jorge Muñoz has been named the incoming Principal of Arcadia High School. He will succeed Dr. Angie Dillman, who spent six years at the helm and was recently promoted to the district office as a Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
“I’m excited and honored to step into the role of Principal at Arcadia High School. With over 25 years in education, from teaching science to coaching teachers and leading school initiatives, my passion has always been helping students succeed. My goal is to create a welcoming, student-centered environment that encourages academic excellence, innovation, and strong connections between students, staff, and families,” Dr. Muñoz said.
Dr. Muñoz brings an impressive resume to his new position. He has two master's degrees, one in Education Administration from Concordia University and the other in Instruction and Assessment from Walden University. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Systems from Stanford University and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.
(Dr. Muñoz and Mr. Vo, far left, leading a group of 100 AP Environmental Science student volunteers for an educational field trip and cleanup day at Hahamongna Watershed in 2014)
As a young boy growing up in Chula Vista, Dr. Muñoz found much-needed support and stability at school, and he understands the profound impact that educators and a safe environment such as public schools can provide for children who need it. There were times in his childhood when he was homeless, and he is the first in his family to graduate from high school. School became a safe haven where he excelled academically and socially. He did so well at Castle Park High School, he earned over a 4.0 GPA, played volleyball, was heavily involved in the Associated Student Body, volunteered at several places while also working multiple jobs, and taking classes at San Diego State in the summer, that he earned a full scholarship to Stanford. Although the scholarship covered his tuition, Dr. Muñoz continued to work three jobs while attending Stanford.
His first teaching job landed him in South Central Los Angeles at George Washington Carver Middle School through the Teach for America program. Initially a two-year commitment, Dr. Muñoz extended his time teaching there to four years. Being able to connect and relate to students who also had many obstacles to overcome was a natural fit and a way to pay it forward while launching his career in education– and more so, his passion for helping children.
“I look forward to building on Arcadia’s incredible legacy while expanding opportunities that prepare our students, all students, no matter where they have come from, to get them to where they want to go,” Dr. Muñoz said.
Dr. Muñoz first joined Arcadia Unified in 2006 as a science teacher. He eventually became Chair of the Department, and in 2016 became an Instructional Coach. In 2018, he took his first administrative position as an Assistant Principal at San Marino High School. Two years later, Muñoz was hired as an Assistant Principal for Arcadia High School.
The Arcadia Unified School District is continually ranked in the top 1% of school districts in the country according to Niche. Arcadia High School also ranks in the top 1% nationally for best college prep public high schools. The home of the Apaches offers 22 Advanced Placement and 10 Honors courses, has been distinguished as a U.S. News & World Report Gold Medal School three times, and Newsweek named Arcadia High to its Top Public High Schools in America list. Arcadia High School also has a unique offering of more than 60 academic teams and clubs for its students to find and explore their passions. Arcadia High alumni matriculate to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Stanford, while also providing successful paths to careers, the military, and junior colleges.
Dr. Muñoz will begin his new role as Principal on July 1, 2025.