New Los Alamitos High School Principal, Joshua Arnold envisions a school that prepares all students for college, careers and beyond. Arnold just took over being principal on July 1st, and brings with him experience and education with many goals for the high school in the coming year.
“I’m interested in developing our collective vision for the future of Los Al,” he said. “This includes a voice and viewpoint of all students, teachers, staff, parents, community members, alumni, local businesses, and more.”
“LAHS is important to all of us, and as we further a collective vision for the future of the school, we’ll all play a part in our continued successes,” said Arnold. “I’m looking forward to being a part of those successes in the future by not just being “at” the school, but really becoming a part of Los Al.”
Arnold, 33, was an assistant principal at Fountain Valley High School, and principal at Crenshaw Arts/Tech Charter High School in Los Angeles, and also taught English in Santa Monica. At Fountain Valley High School, he built a successful anti-bullying campaign, and started a service recognition program called Caught Being Good.
He was educated at UCLA for his bachelor’s degree in English, at Harvard for a master’s degree in School Leadership on a full scholarship, is a member of Harvard Serves, a community service organization that works with non-profits and the government with service missions, and is currently finishing his doctorate at USC’s Rossier School of Education.
Arnold hopes through collective collaboration to breed success for all students and their families. He also believes in being authentic to self by staying true to core values fostering truth in others, making a safe and successful work place. He also believes in creativity and innovation to prepare students for success in college, careers and beyond by hoping to connect every student to at least one co-curricular or extra-curricular program in academics, athletics, activities or the arts.
“Ultimately, my goal for Los Al is to continue to ignite unlimited possibilities for students, providing opportunities for them to learn, grow and experience life in a safe, exciting, and engaging school atmosphere,” he said. “Los Al is a place where young people start to make their dreams a reality, whether it is through academics, the arts, athletics or the activities they participate in. Griffins leave our school able to become anyone, and do anything.”
“I am honored to be working for a school and district with such storied success, and eager to be a part of writing the next chapter,” he said. “I’m a Griffin now … Wow, that feels good to say that!”
Arnold lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Claire, and six-week old daughter, Isabella. In his free time, he enjoys reading, visiting one new restaurant a week, and visiting food blogs on the Internet.