Meet Dr. Kyle Garrity New Principal at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School By Writer and Contributor Amy Bergant
Peninsula High School will have a new face on campus when school begins on August 20th, 2025. Dr. Kyle Garrity assumes the position of Principal after moving from Assistant Principal at both Palos Verdes High School and Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach. I spoke with Principal Garrity to learn more about him, what Palos Verdes Peninsula High School means to him, and what he has planned for the school.
The oldest of 4 kids, he grew up in Southwest Montana, north of Helena. “We had about 100 acres of forest land not far from the headwaters to the Missouri River (famous for the Lewis and Clark expedition) and I went to elementary through high school in Helena. I took a baseball scholarship to Point Loma in San Diego at age 18 but only lasted a year due to injuries”. He then returned to Montana and finished his B.A. in Philosophy and Sociology at Carroll College in Helena. After receiving his Master’s in Theological Studies at Harvard University, Garrity started community organizing, primarily in Los Angeles around healthcare and poverty issues.
“I started my teaching career in 2000 in Orange County, and completed a PhD in Education Policy and Leadership from UC Riverside in 2013. ”. Together, he and Kim, Los Angeles native, have two children: daughter Elizabeth who just finished at Cal Poly SLO, and son Sean who’s in a rising band in Los Angeles known as the Full Circle Boys. “In my spare time, we are a pretty active family and don't sit around the house much. I hit the gym for a workout, we are dog lovers (Luna and Leo) and are constantly hiking or walking around the South Bay, we love going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl or catching a local act and are foodies (trying to be more plant-based) and find great restaurants”.
For about 15 years he worked as a Social Science teacher, coached baseball and football, while also serving as a grade level Dean, PLUS coordinator, and ran a non-profit supporting children with disabilities through summer camps. “I also served as the head of my teacher's association and have done advocacy work for children and educators. I have always enjoyed helping organizations and communities thrive and being in that planning room that brings people together and bring out the best in them.”
Garrity was obviously inspired to be an educator and help others with the influence of many people in his past. “There are too many to mention here, and that is probably what helped me to find a home working in schools. I had some incredible teachers that displayed passion and curiosity in their subject, and that inspired my love of learning. During my time in high school, the priest of our church was an incredible man, Father Jerry Lowney, and he was instrumental in helping direct my energies and find empathy in others. I have always been incredibly fortunate to have good people along the way offer their help and guidance.”
Since arriving on campus in July, Dr. Garrity knew Peninsula High School was unique. When asked what makes it so special, he responded, “That’s easy, it’s about the talented and committed people that are a part of this community. It's pretty striking the pride and investment the teachers, staff, students, and families have for this school. There is a strong work ethic and care for the history of academic success here. The students are diligent in their efforts and the teachers take extra effort to know their craft and translate that to the classroom. This is energized by an active PTSA and Booster club system that supports our science and math competition teams, visual and performing arts, and athletics programs”.
Dr. Garrity is proud of the school and excited for the future, so I asked him about some of his proudest career moments over the years. “It's hard to describe one moment, but every time we hold graduation ceremonies and see students at the end of their high school journey, knowing all their struggles and successes, and all the work and care teachers and staff have shown, it is pretty incredible knowing we have helped hundreds of students in their life to find their path”. However, he was quick to add a not-so-proud thought. “Not sure if I had a worst, but any time I am convinced to sing, act, or dance at a public event, it is always a risk for those involved”
As with any new leadership, Dr. Garrity has a vision for the school. “My vision is to continue cultivating a culture where every student is supported, inspired, and challenged to reach their highest potential. This requires an unwavering commitment from our staff to continually reflect on and refine our instructional practices, deepen connections with students, and guide them purposefully along their academic and personal journeys”.
“The goal is to embrace innovation in teaching and learning, integrating cutting-edge tools while emphasizing character and shared responsibility in shaping a better world. Today's students face unique challenges and are expected to develop not only critical thinking and academic mastery, but also confidence to communicate and present their ideas effectively. As part of all this is the commitment to enhance school facilities in all areas to improve academic life, visual and performing arts, and athletics”.
Dr. Garrity is a true team player, and it’s clear he’s thankful for where he is. “I have always enjoyed the people and places I have worked, and I am fortunate to have such a long career in education. Whatever the career path could have been, it definitely would always involve a lot of people and teams, and working outside in nature when possible”.
Amy (Barber) Bergant grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes. She attended the University of Southern California, getting her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The Annenberg School for Journalism, where she was also a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She currently lives in South Redondo Beach with her husband of almost 25 years, twin 14 year old daughters, and their 2 cats, George and Henry. When not chauffering her kids around, she enjoys hanging out with friends, eating good food, listening to great music, watching ridiculous television shows and going to the beach.