The unique programs at East Palo Alto Charter School and East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy ensure that students receive the education and attention they require to prepare them for college success. Our schools are also designed to provide activities and experiences that our students would not otherwise experience.

In the spring of 2006, against the backdrop of a 65% high school drop out rate in East Palo Alto, a small group of eighth grade students, their parents, and teachers gathered in a classroom at EPACS to make a decision that would affect the future of hundreds of youth living in East Palo Alto. This group of people was determined to start a small, college preparatory high school in their community. A few months later, the school open its doors with 22 ninth graders and two staff members. Determined to change the opportunity equation for themselves and other young people like them in their community, the students chose to call their new school the East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy, as a reference to the transformative power of their education. In June 2010, that founding group of students became our first set of graduates; all of our graduating seniors were admitted to four-year universities.

Almost fifteen years ago, a group of parent advocates proposed the idea for a charter school to the Ravenswood City School District. In 1997, East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) opened its doors after receiving start-up funds from the School Futures Research Foundation, a non-profit education foundation by John Walton of Wal-Mart. In 2002 and 2007, with the help of Ravenswood, EPACS renewed its charter to continue to bring quality education to the community. EPACS currently serves 420 students in grades K-8.

In the spring of 2008, the Sequoia Union High School District unanimously voted to grant our school a 9-12 charter; the school currently serves 160 students in grades 9-12.

To understand the school better, learn about:

• Our Mission & History
• Our Achievements
• Our Approach
• Charter School
• Enrollment