My name is Freddy Arteaga and I am honored to be the Principal of Fernando R. Ledesma High School.  I was born in Mexico and immigrated with my mother and five older siblings to El Monte when I was five years old.  I attended Frank Wright Elementary and Arroyo High School.  I was very involved in all aspects of high school life including academics, cross-country, track and field, and ASB. I was class president all four years of school along with a member of the CIF and State championship cross-country team before heading to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona on a cross country and track and field scholarship to pursue a degree in Anthropology & Geography.  After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, I returned to the district that brought me so many fond memories as a youth to give back to my community. 

 I learned hard work and compassion from my mother and the El Monte Community that helped raise me.  These people instilled in me the importance of giving back to city to pay it forward all the time that was given to me. I spent a great deal of time with little league coaches, high school teachers, mentors, and track coaches who shaped me into the person I am today. I have carried this with me in my career with the El Monte Union High School District, and I have tried to have a positive impact in the students’ lives like my mentors had in mine.

 I began working at Fernando R. Ledesma High School as a teacher in the social science department.  In, 2002 I was awarded the title of Teacher of the Year for the EMUHSD. I then furthered my education at Azusa Pacific University and earned a Master’s degree in counseling.  In 2003, I was promoted to counselor and in July of 2006, I was appointed principal.  This job also includes supervising the Mustang site, Community Day School, Independent Study, and the Opportunity Program.  During my tenure at this position, our school has been awarded Model School status for the State of California.  FRLHS has also received three, six-year terms of accreditation during this time.  Although, Alternative Education is my passion and area of expertise, I am also the senior principal for the district.  As a result, part of my job includes providing support to the newer comprehensive high school principals as well as to the district office.  Because of the consistency of our school staff, we have provided the district with strong leadership and guidance in curriculum development, technology, and leadership.

 I am fortunate to be able to spend my entire career at the school I love helping students from all parts of the community.  I am a product of the community and have become an expert in the alternative education field to help guide the community in creating ways to help all students. My wife Cielo and I have been married for twenty-seven years and have two children, Sky and Jake. In my free time, I enjoy attending collegiate and professional sporting events, traveling the world, and spending time with my family and friends.