School Principal

Welcome to Palmdale Learning Plaza!

 

I am Susan Summers, and it is an honor to serve as the proud Principal of Palmdale Learning Plaza. As the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in the Antelope Valley offering both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a school dedicated to academic excellence, student growth, and lifelong learning. We are also proud to be a WASC-accredited school, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and providing students with a high-quality educational experience.

I joined the Palmdale School District in 1996 as a classroom teacher, serving students across several grade levels before transitioning into administration in 2013. Throughout my administrative career, I have had the privilege of serving outstanding schools within the district. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Bakersfield, and my Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Chapman University. Outside of school, I am a proud mother of two sons who both serve as firefighters captains and an even prouder Nana to my grandson and granddaughter. I cherish spending time with my family camping, traveling, and creating lasting memories.

Each school year brings new opportunities, and I am thrilled to begin another year with the incredible Puma family. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about providing engaging, inquiry based instruction while fostering meaningful relationships with every student. Their commitment to excellence has helped Palmdale Learning Plaza earn recognition as a Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School, reflecting our unwavering focus on building a positive school culture where every student feels valued, connected, and supported.

At Palmdale Learning Plaza, we believe every student has the ability to succeed. Through the International Baccalaureate framework, students are encouraged to become inquirers, knowledgeable thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective learners. These attributes, combined with our commitment to academic rigor, character development, and social-emotional learning, prepare students to become compassionate leaders and responsible global citizens. We are also proud of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, serving students from newborn through eighth grade.

Learning extends well beyond the school day at PLP. We offer a wide variety of engaging after-school opportunities that allow students to explore their interests, build new skills, and strengthen academic achievement. Programs include Aviation, Robotics, Gaming, Sewing, 3D Printing, sports, Folkloric, academic tutoring, and many other enrichment activities designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, leadership, and college and career readiness. We invite each and every one of our families to be involved. Join School Site Council, AAPAAC, ELAC, and PTA. 

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment where students are inspired to inquire, achieve, and grow. Together with our families and community, we strive to develop knowledgeable, caring young people who contribute to creating a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

I am excited for all that we will accomplish together during the 2026–2027 school year. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff as we continue to soar to new heights together. Together, it is “Our Flight, Our Future, Our Success.”

 

PUMAs Understand, Master and Achieve,

 

Susan Summers
Principal