HAPPY HOLIDAYS - FROM OUR FAMILIES TO YOURS!

Edward, EPAA 10th grade student and Norma, EPAA parent

At East Palo Alto Academy, family and community are at the heart of everything. For Norma, mother of 10th grader Edward and EPAAF scholar Nazario, EPAA has been more than just a school; it’s been a place of connection, encouragement, and growth.

Norma was immediately impressed with EPAA when Nazario started 9th grade in 2020: 

“We noticed how many resources the school had to support students,” she said. “The small school community really allows teachers to pay attention and provide the support each student needs. I love it so much that I always recommend EPAA to other parents in my community.”

Nazario, now in his second year at UCLA, wouldn’t be where he is without the support he had throughout high school and beyond:

“EPAAF hasn’t just helped me with paying for my housing and meal plan and answering my questions. This past summer, I had the opportunity to be an EPAAF Summer Intern. My time at EPAAF reinforced my interest in a career path working with students and supporting them with their goals. Having a professional development scholarship has allowed me and will continue to allow me to engage with many opportunities throughout college without the financial worry.”

For Edward, now in 10th grade, EPAA has been a place where he’s found both academic and personal growth.

“It’s easy to make friends here — everyone is supportive because it’s a small school,” he shared. “I’ve played volleyball and basketball, and even though I didn’t stick with volleyball, my coach, Mr. J, really inspired me. Now I want to pursue volleyball professionally because of his encouragement.”

Through sports, relationships, and caring teachers, Edward says what makes EPAA special is simple:

“This school is all love. Teachers, staff, and students are respected — I feel loved here.”

Ashley, EPAA 12th grade student and John, EPAA parent

At East Palo Alto Academy, strong connections between families, students, and staff are at the heart of our community. For John, Ashley, and their family, that sense of belonging has made all the difference.

John, whose daughter Ashley is now a senior, shared that EPAA’s small-school environment and strong communication with families are what make the school truly special.

“The school is close to home, within my community,” he said. “We were surprised by all of the resources and programs available compared to other public schools. Teachers reach out personally to inform us of our student’s success and progress. That connection really matters.”

For Ashley, EPAA has become a second home.

“I chose to come here because my siblings went here, and I felt very welcomed,” she shared. “Even though it’s a small school, there’s so much support for college success and so many ways to get involved.”

Ashley especially loves being part of Poly Club, which she describes as “a welcoming, safe place for everyone.” She also values the school’s inclusive community.

“The community is very united. The staff support students to engage in all activities and clubs. Students feel like they have a purpose and a place they belong.”

Edward, EPAA Student and Norma, EPAAt East Palo Alto Academy, family and community are at the heart of everything. For Norma, mother of 10th grader Edward and EPAAF scholar Nazario, EPAA has been more than just a school;, it’s been a place of connection, encouragement, and growth.

Norma was immediately impressed with EPAA when Nazario started 9th grade in 2020: 

“We noticed how many resources the school had to support students,” she said. “The small school community really allows teachers to pay attention and provide the support each student needs. I love it so much that I always recommend EPAA to other parents in my community.”

Nazario, now in his second year at UCLA, wouldn’t be where he is without the support he had throughout high school and beyond:

For Edward, now in 10th grade, EPAA has been a place where he’s found both academic and personal growth.

“It’s easy to make friends here — everyone is supportive because it’s a small school,” he shared. “I’ve played volleyball and basketball, and even though I didn’t stick with volleyball, my coach, Mr. J, really inspired me. Now I want to pursue volleyball professionally because of his encouragement.”

Through sports, relationships, and caring teachers, Edward says what makes EPAA special is simple:

“This school is all love. Teachers, staff, and students are respected — I feel loved here.”

Sujeeta, EPAA Parent and Natasha, EPAA 10th grade student

At East Palo Alto Academy, we know that strong family partnerships are at the heart of student success, and families like Natasha and Sujeeta’s remind us what that looks like every day.

For Sujeeta, whose daughter Natasha is a 10th grader, EPAA’s caring environment and dedicated teachers make all the difference. “They have a good standard for learning,” she shared. “The teachers are friendly, helpful, and always there for both students and parents. Communication is key — and the school does it very well.”

Natasha appreciates the support too. “The school is small, and the teachers really support me,” she said. “I’m part of Youth Community Service  and the Student Advisory Council, where I get community service hours and can help make changes at school.”

From art and dance to leadership and service, Natasha is finding her place at EPAA. And for Sujeeta, seeing her daughter thrive in a school that values connection, communication, and opportunity means everything.