Katella High School Administration 2026-2027

Principal:  Mr. Chuck Hernandez

It is an absolute honor to serve as the Principal of Katella High School, especially as we proudly celebrated our 60th anniversary—60 years of academic excellence, athletic dominance, and a legacy of championships. For six decades, Katella has been a place where students have embraced opportunity, evolved with purpose, and empowered themselves and others to build a limitless future.

As we enter the 2026–27 school year, I am thrilled to welcome all of our Knights back to campus. We are Katella—Embracing, Evolving, and Empowering our students for a limitless tomorrow. Our school remains steadfast in our mission to challenge and support students both academically and socially through unlimited opportunities. We offer a robust selection of honors and Advanced Placement courses, as well as expansive and engaging career pathway programs designed to spark student passion and prepare them for post-secondary success.

Our athletics programs have long been a source of pride, with Knights competing—and excelling—at the league, CIF, and State levels. Adding to our rich legacy of athletic dominance, this past year our Knights made school and district history by capturing Katella's first-ever state CIF Esports Championship in Super Smash Bros.! This monumental achievement showcases the incredible talent, strategy, and dedication of our gaming athletes, proving that Knight excellence extends to every arena. Likewise, our award-winning VAPA programs have earned recognition across the county, including an OC Artist of the Year semi-finalist and a Best in Show Artist at AUHSD’s Color and Light Show. Katella continues to lead in civic and environmental excellence as well, proudly holding distinctions such as a California Democracy School Award of Excellence (2021) and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School (2022).

At Katella, we equip every student with the skills and mindset outlined in the 5 Cs and the Career Preparedness Systems Framework (CPSF). Through meaningful learning experiences, our students Collaborate, Communicate, Think Critically, Create, and lead with Character and Compassion—skills that define their success both on campus and beyond.

This year, I encourage all students and families to get involved and become active members of our thriving Knight Family. Whether through clubs, athletics, esports, performing arts, academic programs, or community events—there is a place for everyone at Katella.

Here's to 60 years of Knight pride—and the limitless future ahead.

We are Katella: Embracing. Evolving. Empowering.

Mr. Hernandez
Email: hernandez_ch@auhsd.us
Contact Person: Yolanda Gonzalez - Senior Administrative Assistant
Email: gonzalez_y@auhsd.us
Phone: 714-999-3639

Assistant Principal - TOSA: Mr. Matthew Majewski
Class of 2030 (9th grade)
Email: majewski_ma@auhsd.us
Phone: 714-999-3658

Assistant Principal: Guadalupe Serrano
Class of 2029 (10th grade)
Email: serrano_g@auhsd.us
Phone: 714-999-3670

Assistant Principal: Mr. Joseph Saldana
Class of 2028 (11th grade)
Email: saldana_j@auhsd.us
Phone: 714-999-3641

Assistant Principal: Mr. Ryan Ward
Class of 2027 (12th grade)
Email: ward_r@auhsd.us
Phone: 714-999-3655