Fernando R. Ledesma High School

• 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.

My name is Angelica Rodriguez, and I am thrilled to be a Guidance Counselor at Fernando R. Ledesma High School. I grew up right here in El Monte, attending Shirpser Elementary and Gidley Middle School, just like many of you. I graduated from Fernando R. Ledesma in 1996, and it feels amazing to return to the school that shaped my early years.

After high school, I pursued my passion for learning at Citrus Community College, and later, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, where I earned my B.A. in History. Education has always been important to me, so I continued my journey by obtaining my teaching credential and a Master’s in Education from Azusa Pacific University. I also earned my Pupil Personnel Service Credential and a Master’s in Counseling from Point Loma University.

I’ve been a part of this school community for many years, starting as a work-study student at just 14 years old. Working in the office and later teaching in Opportunity has shown me the impact we can have on each other's lives.

As someone who once sat in your seat, I want to remind you that your journey is just the beginning. Challenges will come, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your dreams. Education is the key that opens doors, and I’m here to help you along the way.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, attending sporting events, and traveling. I hope to inspire you to pursue your passions and make the most of your time here. Together, let’s create a positive and empowering environment where everyone can thrive.

Remember, your future is bright, and I believe in each and every one of you!

I have had the privilege of working with the students of the El Monte Union High School for 30 years. I originally came from Zacatecas, Mexico at the age of ten years old and entered school here in the fifth grade not speaking a word of English. I learned to read English by reading Curious George books. I am proud to be a product of Frank Wright Elementary, Arroyo High School, Citrus College, Cal Poly Pomona, and Azusa Pacific University.

My passion has been to work with students at Ledesma High School. It is incredible to see the positive transformation that students can make when they realize the potential they have and are provided the environment to thrive. It is my hope that all students at FRLHS can realize their human potential and become successful, productive and socially responsible members of our community.

I am married and have two children. I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends.