Our Team

Dan Jarvis, Principal

Welcome to Santa Margarita School!

As the principal, I am delighted to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all of you.

At Santa Margarita School, we are proud to be a Purple Star School, dedicated to supporting military-connected students and families here at Camp Pendleton. As a Marine Corps veteran and someone who grew up in a military family—my father is a retired Marine—I understand firsthand the unique experiences and challenges that military families face. I am committed to ensuring every student feels supported, valued, and able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our dedicated team of educators fosters a love for learning, encourages personal growth, and prepares students for success in an ever-changing world. Santa Margarita School is more than just a building—it is a vibrant community where students are encouraged to explore their interests, embrace challenges, and discover their true potential. Our comprehensive curriculum combines academic rigor with a focus on character development, critical thinking, and creativity. We equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

We deeply value the strong partnership between home and school and encourage open, frequent communication. Parents and guardians play a vital role in their children’s education, and we are here to support and guide you every step of the way. Together, we create a supportive and enriching environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.

I am truly honored to serve as the principal of Santa Margarita School and look forward to an exciting school year filled with growth, learning, and accomplishments. Together, let’s continue building a positive, inclusive, and military-friendly community where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.

Welcome to Santa Margarita School—let’s embark on this incredible educational journey together!

Don Frost, Assistant Principal

Greetings Santa Margarita Families, Staff & Community Members, 

I am grateful and delighted to return as your Assistant Principal here at Santa Margarita (go Mustangs!). Before arriving last year, I worked as an AP at El Camino High School overseeing English, Visual/Performing Arts, AVID, Athletics, Boosters, Discipline, and Graduation. Prior to that, I was a teacher, coordinator, and adjunct administrator at Jefferson Middle School.

As a native Californian, I was born in Los Angeles, but raised in the San Fernando Valley where I received a Bachelor’s in Cinema-Television from California State University, Northridge. After a brief stint working in the TV/Film industry, I returned to CSUN to earn a Master’s in Educational Administration and in Computers & Instructional Technology. I hold active teaching credentials in English, Social Science, Computer Concepts and Applications, as well as a Multiple Subject.

My career journey began in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where I served as a  Media and Elementary teacher at a K-12 school. During that time I taught writing, storyboarding, production, and editing for grades 6th to 8th, and thrived as a 3rd and 5th grade teacher. Later, I worked exclusively at a middle school before arriving at OUSD in 2017.

My wife and I live in Oceanside with our two energetic boys, ages 5 and 7. They enjoy swimming, baseball, scootering, karate, and playing at our local parks, beaches, and trails.  

I believe that all students can learn at a high level if given the right set of circumstances. I pledge to meet your student’s SEL needs, help them grow academically, ensure their fair treatment, value the whole child, build a sense of belonging, and uphold our Mustang core values, to be safe, respectful, kind, responsible and our personal best!

Our theme for this year is What’s Possible? Anytime your student sees me out and about, encourage them to tell me what is possible for them to achieve. It would really make my day.

Yours Respectfully,

Don Frost, Assistant Principal