Our Faculty & Staff

Dr. Rachel Mendoza
Principal

Rachel.Mendoza@gpisd.org

I began my career in a first-grade bilingual classroom in Socorro ISD in El Paso, Texas, where I quickly discovered my passion for language development and early literacy. After seven impactful years serving students in El Paso, I relocated to the Dallas area and joined Grand Prairie ISD—where I have proudly dedicated close to three decades to teaching, leading, and learning alongside exceptional educators.

Throughout my 12 years in the classroom, I taught multiple grade levels, Pre-K through Second grade. I have worked in both traditional bilingual and two-way dual language settings, experiences that shaped my belief that language is not a barrier—it is an asset. After more than a decade of classroom teaching, I transitioned to the district’s Bilingual Programs Department as a Dual Language Strategist, where I supported teachers, strengthened instructional systems, and helped advance the implementation of Grand Prairie ISD’s dual language model.

Serving as a strategist allowed me to collaborate with dedicated educators across campuses and deepen my impact beyond a single classroom. After three years in that role, I moved into campus administration. It is both an honor and a privilege to lead Bowie Fine Arts Academy, where I remain committed to cultivating academic excellence, artistic expression, and a strong sense of belonging for every student.

My academic journey reflects my commitment to lifelong learning and educational leadership. I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso and my master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in dual language from the University of Texas at Arlington. I completed my Doctor of Education degree at Dallas Baptist University, further strengthening my expertise in leadership, systems improvement, and student-centered innovation.

As a campus leader, I remain focused on building systems that elevate student achievement, empower teachers, and strengthen partnerships with families. I believe deeply in service-driven leadership and in the collective power of our staff, students, and community. Together, we will continue to raise the bar and ensure that every child at Bowie Fine Arts Academy thrives.