History and Vision
Vision
Our family learning center builds on the student’s social, linguistic, and cultural strengths with the intent to develop bilingual, bi-cultural students fully prepared to continue on to higher education and empowered to pursue their stated goals. Our community of teachers, students, parents, and staff believe that teaching is an act of love and learning is a life-long activity.
History
Escuela Popular is a family learning center that serves Pre K-12 children and adults who are seeking a high school diploma. Lidia Reguerin an educator of over 50 years of experience founded Escuela Popular. This community based grassroots school to address the growing need for English classes in east San Jose and has been providing educational services since 1986. Within the first year of operation, the demand for learning grew rapidly and Escuela Popular continued to expand in number of students, classes and services. In the 23 years of service, Escuela Popular has sustained itself and continued to grow from the support of its student body.
Popular Education
Our teaching methods are inspired by Paulo Freire’s theory of popular education. As such, we serve students by identifying basic needs and building upon their strengths while providing instruction that is relevant to their lives. Every student’s participation and input is valued. Moreover, the relationship between students and teachers is mutualistic rather than hierarchical. We encourage students to use their world view and experiences as a catalyst for changing their immediate situations. And as a result of this heightened perspective that is based on personal experience, students’ raise their critical awareness and are empowered to succeed.
Who We Are Today
Escuela Popular has evolved into a K-12 charter academy that serves students from its Dual Language, High School and Childcare Academies. Escuela Popular enhances the opportunity for achievement before, throughout and beyond high school. We are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences in a small school setting.
Dual Language Instruction
With the goal of facilitating students’ literacy in Spanish and English, Escuela Popular embraces dual language instruction. Spanish is the source of knowledge used to accelerate students’ academic progress.
Staff Reflects Student Population
The majority of our staff is reflective of the student body. Accordingly, Escuela Popular provides a smooth transition in what is often a new culture for students.
- Dual Language Immersion 90/10 Academy serving grades kinder through eighth
- Childcare Academy (for the children of the High School students)
- High School 19 & Under Bilingual Academy
- High School 19 & Over age 19 Adult Bilingual High School Academy and Vocational Training (a.m. & p.m. sessions)