In 2006, 8th grade parents and students from Aspire East Palo Alto Charter School ("EPACS"), formed a small college preparatory high school designed to prepare students from East Palo Alto for success in college. Referencing their determination to overcome the myriad challenges facing their community, the students named the school East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy. Our school -- affectionately referred to as "EPAPA" or "Phoenix Academy" --- has grown in lots of ways since that first year with twenty-two students and two teachers working in a borrowed classroom. We now serve over 300 students in grades 7-12 at our beautiful new site, just down the street from EPACS.
Students at Phoenix Academy participate in a rigorous program of study which includes A-G required courses along with community college courses offered through Cañada College. They will graduate with college credits already accrued, a diploma, and the skills and habits necessary to be successful at the university level. Perhaps most importantly, 100% of our students will graduate with a four-year college acceptance in their hands.
Together, EPACS and EPAPA form a K-12 educational community whose mission is to support and challenge students from kindergarten to their college acceptance letter and beyond. This amazing work would not be possible without the support of Aspire Public Schools, the families and community members of East Palo Alto, the Sequoia Union High School District, and our generous donors.
