Calabasas Teacher Admits Taking Perverted Photos of Young Students

Veteran elementary school teacher charged with child molestation and possession of child abuse material

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Travis Shojinaga, a 39-year-old teacher at the elite Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, has been accused of taking secret up-skirt videos and photos of his 10- and 11-year-old female students. Shojinaga allegedly admitted that taking and viewing the sickening photos made his "heart race." He has been charged with one felony count of possession of child abuse material and four misdemeanor counts of child molestation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse occurring even at prestigious private schools, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable students. It also raises questions about how such predatory behavior can go undetected for years, and what more can be done to identify and stop teachers who abuse their positions of trust.

The details

According to court filings, Shojinaga would bend down and pretend to pick up trash or tie his shoe in order to secretly record up-skirt videos and photos of his 4th and 5th grade female students. He allegedly targeted a student wearing a leg cast due to mobility issues, and sought out victims based on their age and the length of their skirts. Shojinaga is also accused of molesting several students by sitting next to them during breaks and standing close to them. After his arrest, he told authorities he had an "addiction" and had taken the vile recordings 50 to 60 times.

  • Shojinaga was arrested on Viewpoint's campus on February 25, 2026 after an 11-year-old student reported he was secretly taking inappropriate photographs of female students.
  • Shojinaga faced a judge on March 12, 2026 in a Los Angeles courtroom.

The players

Travis Shojinaga

A 39-year-old veteran elementary school teacher at the $54,000-a-year Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, who is accused of taking secret up-skirt videos and photos of his 10- and 11-year-old female students and molesting several of them.

Viewpoint School

An elite private preparatory school in Calabasas, California that charges $54,000 per year in tuition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He said taking and viewing these photos make his 'heart race'”

— Travis Shojinaga

What’s next

If convicted on the charges, Shojinaga faces seven years in state prison and will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect students, even at elite private schools, from predatory teachers who abuse their positions of trust. It raises difficult questions about how such behavior can go undetected for years, and what more must be done to identify and stop educators who exploit vulnerable children.