08/18/2026
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT 💫
Please meet Raquel Garcia, our 5th–8th Grade Math & Integrated Science Teacher!
Raquel’s love of math started early and only grew from there — she holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and is currently completing her Master of Science in Applied Statistics at California State University, Long Beach, which she is set to finish this winter.
With more than six years of tutoring experience, Raquel has worked with students from elementary through college level in mathematics, as well as high school through college-level chemistry and physics. Her experience spans everything from foundational math and early problem-solving skills to algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, and math-intensive sciences.
Most recently, Raquel served as a Math Tutor at Coastline Community College while also working as a MESA Project Coordinator supporting student programming and academic enrichment. Through her years of working with students, she has developed a strong ability to identify learning gaps, adapt her teaching to different learning styles, and find the explanation that helps a challenging concept finally click.
Her unique combination of mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics makes her such an exciting addition to our Jr. High Bridge Program! Raquel will lead both 5th–8th Grade Math and Integrated Science, bringing learning to life through real-world applications, hands-on investigations, projects, experimentation, and plenty of opportunities for students to think critically, problem-solve, and discover the why behind what they’re learning.
Raquel believes challenging subjects don’t have to feel intimidating. She is passionate about creating an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, working through challenges, and building genuine confidence along the way.
We are SO excited to welcome Raquel to the Little Surf Co. Institute team and can’t wait to see the curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking she inspires in our Bridge students this year!