Dr. Vargas brings over 24 years of experience working with students and their families. Dr. Vargas is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began his career as a classroom teacher and basketball coach in Pico Rivera, CA. He later served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at both the middle and high school levels. He has a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Urban Settings from the University of Southern California, where his research focused on closing the achievement and opportunity gaps. Prior to coming to City Heights Prep, Dr. Vargas designed, created, and led two different magnet schools that focused on STEAM education, one at the middle school level, and the other at the high school level, which ultimately became an International Baccalaureate World School. Dr. Vargas is an active member of the Association of California School Administrators, along with California Association of Latino School Administrators. Dr. Vargas is excited to work with such an amazing group of students and staff here in City Heights!