Voices College-Bound Language Academies won the Hart Vision Charter School of the Year Award at this year’s California Charter Schools Conference in Long Beach.
Voices, which opened its flagship school in San Jose in 2007 and then two others in Morgan Hill and Mount Pleasant this past year, is one of Santa Clara County’s highest performing kindergarten through eighth grade dual immersion public schools, according to the press release by Voices.
“When we saw how well we were doing for Latino students and English Language Learners and when people started really pleading with us to come to their communities, we felt morally compelled to expand,” said Voices Founding Principal Frances Teso. “We decided to go where there was a need and a demand for us. This award is a huge honor and testimony to the students, families, teachers, staff and to our home district of Franklin McKinley who have all helped make our dream and vision a reality.”
The Hart Vision Awards, established in 1995, are named in honor of Gary K. Hart, retired California State Senator and former California Secretary of Education. While serving as state senator, Hart sponsored the legislation that established California charter schools. The award in his name recognizes individuals and schools that have made significant contributions to the Association’s mission to increase student achievement by supporting and expanding California’s quality charter public school movement.
“I love and fought for Voices to come to my community because you can tell the difference in the children with the motivation that Voices brings,” People Acting in Community Together Leader Delia Gomez said.
Serving roughly 90 percent Latinos and 79 percent English Language Learners, Voices students are closing the achievement gap in the county, according to charter leaders.
“It’s that mindset that ‘I can go to university’ that is instilled in the students at such an early age,” Voices Parent Leader Maricruz Ruiz said.
