As the new Thousand Oaks Principal of Academy of Arts, and Sciences, it has been my sincere pleasure and honor to become a member of this great school community.   Thousand Oaks enjoys a rich history of academic and cultural excellence that is the result of a collegial partnership between the school staff and parents who provide a diversity of experiences for the students.  During the current months of enrollment, I have indeed found this close working relationship and focus upon what is best for children to exist. I am truly honored to be appointed to this position and am looking forward to working with the dedicated staff to provide the best possible educational program for our students.

  Before arriving at Academy of Arts and Sciences Public Schools, my professional career was entirely within the LAUSD District, for many years.  Holding a Masters, and a Credential in Educational Administration, I held the positions of teacher, director, assistant principal in a school that outperformed all local high schools by 120 API points, staff trainer specializing in intervention strategies, and as a curriculum specialist writing for online programs incorporated with Study Island.  Although my former school district was very large in comparison, what I find comparable is the child-centered approach to education that characterizes both districts and results in an excellent school program. Parents and staff who collaboratively work together each day for the students is the exemplary quality that attracted me to Academy of Arts and Sciences. I am very excited to be a part of the AAS family and to closely work with everyone to make our school even better.

Respectfully,

Melanie Rodriguez,

Principal Thousand Oaks AAS