College Preparedness Initiative

In Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, just 20% of Latinos and 22% of African-Americans graduate in four years with the credits to attend a UC or CSU campus, compared to 71% of Asians and 53% of whites. East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy serves 90% Latinos, who are often the first to graduate from high school, and almost always first generation college students. While we are working hard to ensure that students are prepared and ready for college, only 55% of our students have been designated through standardized testing as fully or conditionally prepared for college.
Current Program: Our teachers, counselor, and community partners work tremendously hard on ensuring that our students have a good chance at getting into college. It often can be challenging as 90% of our students are Latino, often the first time high school graduate in their family, let alone the first generation college student. In order to supplement readiness for our students we offer them opportunities for SAT preparation classes, and early college coursework.
Results: While we are very proud that 100% of our graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges, we not only have to ensure that they are prepared for college admission, we also need to focus on retention and college success factors and the challenge that (according to standardized tests), just 45% of our students are designated as fully or conditionally prepared for college.
What do we want to do: In order to maximize the opportunity for college success for every student, East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy is committed to programs such as SAT preparation classes and college courses at the local community college to enhance preparation and retention for college success in multiple ways.
Value: By participating in an SAT preparation program and early college courses, our students are acquiring the necessary academic skills and motivation, plus a head start on units, making them more prepared for entrance to and retention through college.
At East Palo Alto Charter School and East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy, we're doing things differently, with great results. In May 2013 EPA Phoenix Academy was among the top 10 high schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties for percentage of Latino students with a 4-year graduation rate and UC/CSU eligibility. 100% of our students are accepted to 4-year colleges.
Despite our success, we know that there is much more we can do. Ensure that our students not only make it to college, but thrive there and complete at least a bachelor’s degree.
Cost: $105,000
Current Program: Our teachers, counselor, and community partners work tremendously hard on ensuring that our students have a good chance at getting into college. It often can be challenging as 90% of our students are Latino, often the first time high school graduate in their family, let alone the first generation college student. In order to supplement readiness for our students we offer them opportunities for SAT preparation classes, and early college coursework.
Results: While we are very proud that 100% of our graduates have been accepted to 4-year colleges, we not only have to ensure that they are prepared for college admission, we also need to focus on retention and college success factors and the challenge that (according to standardized tests), just 45% of our students are designated as fully or conditionally prepared for college.
What do we want to do: In order to maximize the opportunity for college success for every student, East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy is committed to programs such as SAT preparation classes and college courses at the local community college to enhance preparation and retention for college success in multiple ways.
Value: By participating in an SAT preparation program and early college courses, our students are acquiring the necessary academic skills and motivation, plus a head start on units, making them more prepared for entrance to and retention through college.
At East Palo Alto Charter School and East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy, we're doing things differently, with great results. In May 2013 EPA Phoenix Academy was among the top 10 high schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties for percentage of Latino students with a 4-year graduation rate and UC/CSU eligibility. 100% of our students are accepted to 4-year colleges.
Despite our success, we know that there is much more we can do. Ensure that our students not only make it to college, but thrive there and complete at least a bachelor’s degree.
Cost: $105,000
- SAT prep—teacher and curriculum materials
- Early college courses—course fees, books, transportation to Canada College
Aspire East Palo Alto Charter School TK-8
1286 Runnymede Street East Palo Alto, CA 94303 Phone: (650) 614-9100 @aspire.epacs |
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EPACS is proudly part of Aspire Public Schools.
EPACS is proudly part of Aspire Public Schools.