Our mission is to reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world.
Since our founding in 2001, our core purpose has been to center students in our instructional approach by making learning relevant and purposeful through real-world connections and the environmental lens. However, in recent years, through many conversations and feedback from our teachers, staff, students, community and board, we began to examine how our mission was describing our true purpose and the important change work happening at our schools everyday. After many consensus-building discussions, we are proud to identify content that more accurately reflects what we do and why we do it.
Our Values
JUSTICE
We examine bias, racism and prejudice. We deliver culturally responsive curriculum. We succeed when students’ race and class cease to predict their level of achievement. -Pedro Noguera
COMMUNITY
We care. We collaborate. We respect the rights and voices of our stakeholders.
CURIOSITY
We question. We explore. We innovate.
SUSTAINABILITY
We think globally and act locally. We adapt. We encourage systems thinking to create a sustainable future.
LEADERSHIP
We listen. We think critically. We advocate. We shift public discourse. We are our own superheroes.
