Bright Star Schools

Bright Star Schools Bright Star Schools operates high-performing public charter schools in the West Adams, Koreatown, an At Bright Star, family and community come first.

At Bright Star Schools, we prepare our students to become leaders who act with integrity and champion equity to enrich our communities and the world. In seven, tuition-free public schools in three communities in Los Angeles -- West Adams, Koreatown, and the San Fernando Valley -- our 2,800 students experience rigorous academics, inclusive education, social-emotional support, and rich life opportunities beyond the classroom. Become a part of ours.

09/03/2026

Our final principals' interview spotlights two of our new principals at our elementary schools! Get to know Ms. Ruth Kim, principal of Rise Kohyang Elementary and Middle Schools, and Mrs. Kaitlin Allen, principal at Valor Academy Elementary School.

Principal Allen and Principal Kim sat down for a chat to talk about their favorite subjects in school, the school activities they participated in, and whether they were ever called into the principal's office. Their responses will surprise and delight you!

Thank you to all our school leaders who participated in this fun series to kick off the 2026-27 school year! We are ✨ bright ✨ because each of our schools has an EXTRAordinary principal who leads by example with integrity, empathy, and joy while uplifting their communities!

09/01/2026

How well do you know Valor Academy Middle School's Principal, Mr. Brian Perry? Can you guess his two truths and one lie?

🖌️ He majored in poetry
🏀 He played college basketball
🏀 🪈 His son plays basketball AND the flute

Principal Perry is a student-centered leader who has built a strong community among his Lions, helping students thrive under his leadership. He is a mentor, an advocate, and an inspiration for his Valor Middle community. Thank you, Mr. Perry, for being a dedicated, compassionate leader who uplifts others every day!

08/28/2026

Next in our "Get to Know Our Principals" series is Stella High Charter Academy Principal Darryl Garris!

Dr. Garris shared:

🏃‍♂️ He's completed two LA marathons
🗺️ He used to teach history at Valor Academy Middle School
🫶 He's met Taylor Swift's parents

❓❓Can you guess his lie?

Dr. Garris is a beloved leader at Stella High who brings his community together around a shared vision for growth. He leads with empathy, humor, and a devotion to building bright futures for all Eagles. We are grateful for Dr. Garris whose leadership uplifts others and inspires them to shine!

08/27/2026

How well do you know Stella Elementary Charter Academy's Principal, Mr. Gene Castro?

Principal Castro shared that he has bungee jumped in 3 different countries, he was once Dolores Huerta's bodyguard, and he can speak 4 languages.

‼️ SEE IF YOU CAN DETECT HIS LIE!

Principal Castro leads his Lionesses with heart, has created a culture of belonging, and has developed a transformative educational experience for every student who is lucky enough to be part of the Stella Elementary community. Every day, he is leading by uplifting others!

08/27/2026

Get to know Rise Kohyang High School's Principal, Ms. Cynthia Juarez-Trigueros!

Principal Juarez-Trigueros shares two truths and one lie with us!

🐔 Does she own 29 chickens? 💪 Can she squat 300 pounds? ⛰️ Has she hiked Havasupai three times? Can you guess her lie?

We are happy to share that Principal Juarez-Trigueros is celebrating 20 years at Bright Star Schools! We are honored to have had her for all these years leading with compassion and strength with a commitment to excellence. Her student-centered leadership approach has uplifted her Triton community!

08/25/2026

Next in our "Get to Know Our Principals" series is Ms. Ruth Kim, Principal of Rise Kohyang Elementary and Middle Schools!

Principal Kim, who was originally principal of Rise Kohyang Middle School, recently became principal of both Rise Kohyang Elementary and Middle Schools. In this video, she shares two truths and a lie.

❓❓ CAN YOU GUESS HER LIE?

Principal Kim is a mission-driven leader who leads with integrity, brings her kohyang together, and inspires joy in the community she serves! Thank you, Principal Kim, for your dedication to leading by uplifting others!

08/21/2026

What makes Bright Star ✨ BRIGHT✨? Ms. Rebecca Cabrera, our outstanding Kindergarten teacher at Valor Academy Elementary School, shares why Bright Star is best for her.

When you teach at Bright Star, we invest in your own professional development so you receive the skills and resources to grow with your students. Additionally, our whole-child approach focuses on the unique needs of each of our scholars so they get the support to develop into their best selves. This makes teaching at Bright Star joyful and rewarding for our educators!

Join our team! We currently have open teaching roles across several of our schools from TK-12. Visit the link below to find a role best for you!

https://brightstarschools.org/Apply-Now

08/21/2026

Get to know our Bright Star principals with our new series, where you learn about their interests, their goals, and what makes them exceptional leaders!

We are kicking off this series with this engaging interview between our two newest principals: Ms. Darla Vance, principal at Stella Middle Charter Academy, and Dr. Emily O'Neal, principal at Valor Academy High School.

Ms. Vance and Dr. O'Neal sat down for a casual conversation where they revealed their favorite school traditions and what they want every student to feel when they walk into their schools. Can you guess who likes a 🌮 taco boat for school lunch and who believes Chicago has the best 🍕 pizza? Take a listen to find out!

We are so grateful to have such inspiring school leaders dedicated to creating strong kohyangs and bright futures!

✨ Our kohyang is growing! We recently celebrated and welcomed our newest teachers and counselors at Bright Star's inaugu...
08/13/2026

✨ Our kohyang is growing! We recently celebrated and welcomed our newest teachers and counselors at Bright Star's inaugural Signing Day.

Inspired by how athletes officially join their new teams, the excitement at the event was palpable as our newest team members started their next chapter at Bright Star Schools!

The festivities included:

🌟 A warm welcome by our Senior Director of Talent
🌟 Delicious catered lunch
🌟 Bright Star swag bags
🌟 Joyful vibes as we created unforgettable memories as a community

We are honored to have each teacher and counselor join the Bright Star family! Your journey with us has started off BRIGHT!

Address

600 S. La Fayette Park Place, 3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA
90057

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+13239549957

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bright Star Schools posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category