Principal Avilez

Principal Avilez brings a rich and diverse academic background to her role as principal of Carlos Santana Arts Academy (CSAA). She earned a dual Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley and holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Social Justice Leadership from UCLA. With 28 years of experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Ms. Avilez has served in various roles, including teacher, coordinator, literacy coach, English Language Development Specialist, Math coach, Assistant Principal of Special Education, and Dual Language Coordinator. She became principal of Carlos Santana Arts Academy in the fall of 2019.

Ms. Avilez’s primary area of expertise is biliteracy, with a focus on fostering Spanish-to-English cross-linguistic transfer. Her commitment to dual language instruction and passion for cultivating bilingualism and biliteracy guide her approach to education, enabling students to thrive in both languages.

Ms. Avilez’s passion for education extends to her role as a parent, which she considers her most outstanding achievement. She is the proud mother of two children. Additionally, Principal Avilez’s deep commitment to the arts stems from her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to engage with and appreciate the arts. She views arts education as transformative, fostering self-expression, a sense of individual voice, and community pride. The arts connect students to their rich cultural histories and instill pride in their heritage, helping them build solid foundations for their futures.