Escuela Popular (EP) began as a community-based grassroots school to address a growing need for English instruction in East San Jose and as a consequence, has been providing education services since 1986. Within the first year of its operation, the demand for learning and schooling grew rapidly and EP continued to expand in the number of students, classes, and services to meet the growing need. In 2002, EP was able to function independently and acquired its own non-profit status, assuming the name Escuela Popular Del Pueblo.
EP provides educational services to over 900 students in three age-appropriate programs. Our students are predominantly Latino. Most of our students are first-generation immigrants who come from Spanish-speaking households. The Elementary School implements the Two-Way Dual Language Immersion program with Spanish being the target language. The elementary program serves students in grades K-8. The Under 19 High School Program serves students ranging in age from 14-19, while the Over 19 High School Program serves adult students in the morning and evening programs. The Over 19 High School Program provides childcare services for its students.