The opening of Esperanza’s new elementary school marks a historic moment in an educational project that has been in development for over two decades. For Reverend Danny Cortés, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, this new building represents much more than infrastructure: it is the fulfillment of a collective dream.
“About 28 years ago, a group of people came together with the idea of opening a school that would truly respond to the needs of our youth,” Cortés recalls. “The local schools, unfortunately, were not meeting those needs, and that was leading to personal failures and limited opportunities.”
The new K–5 elementary school is a direct response to that need. “When real opportunities are presented to young Hispanic students, they respond. And that response opens doors that otherwise wouldn’t exist,” he explains.
Esperanza has built a strong educational portfolio, including a two-year college and a cyber charter school. What makes Esperanza Academy Charter School unique, according to Cortés, is its human and spiritual impact:
“When you see hope in a child’s eyes, when their mind opens to a new opportunity, you feel you’re fulfilling a divine purpose.”
In the past 25 years, some of the most memorable moments have been graduations.
“Seeing a student get into one of the top universities in the country, or simply move up a grade, seeing their parents’ joy… that’s when you know you’re doing God’s work.”
Another pillar of Esperanza’s educational model is its commitment to bilingual and bicultural identity. “It’s not a complement — it’s who we are. Our own graduates come back as teachers or staff. That’s what it means to be truly bicultural.”
Building the new facility came with many challenges: initial denials, the pandemic, and a recession. But perseverance prevailed.
“Here, no’ is not the end it’s an opportunity to find the ‘yes,’” Cortés affirms.
Finally, Cortés shares a clear message with the community: “Thank you for your support. Please don’t let go of our hand. We need partners who believe in what we’re doing.”
Today, Esperanza celebrates this milestone with new facilities and renewed services, ready to keep serving the students and families of our community.
