Middle School Principal to Lead Aliso Niguel High School

Christopher J. Carter has been named Aliso Niguel High School's new principal beginning July 1. He replaces Charles Salter, who has resigned.

Capistrano Unified School District board of trustees on Wednesday evening approved Carter's appointment.

A press release issued by the district Wednesday evening said Carter will be a familiar face to many members of the Aliso Niguel High School community; he has been principal at Don Juan Avila Middle School in Aliso Viejo since 2004.

“Chris is inheriting an excellent school with great students, staff and parents,” Superintendent Joseph Farley said. “His commitment to the community and his expertise in leading a rigorous instructional program will continue the tradition of academic excellence at Aliso Niguel High School.”

Carter replaces Charles Salter, who will stay with the district as a principal on special assignment.

“I am honored and excited to be named the new principal of Aliso Niguel High School,” Carter said. “This appointment affords me the unique opportunity to continue working with the students and parents I have served in the city of Aliso Viejo for the past seven years as the principal of Don Juan Avila Middle School. I look forward to joining an outstanding team of educators and building on the remarkable success and high academic achievement the school has already achieved. We will work collaboratively to ensure ANHS continues to be one of the top high schools in California and the nation.

Carter began his teaching career in 1994 as a social studies teacher at Shorecliffs Middle School. He was an assistant principal at Niguel Hills Middle School and Dana Hills High School before becoming principal at DJAMS.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in history from San Diego State and a Master of Science in education administration from National University. He received his teaching credential from Cal State Long Beach and administrative credential from Chapman University.