In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and pride, Esperanza Academy Charter School officially celebrated the grand opening of its new elementary school on Thursday, August 21. The modern facility will serve more than 750 students from kindergarten through fifth grade in the heart of Hunting Park, in North Philadelphia.
Early in the morning, special guests were invited to tour the school, led by Dr. Evelyn Núñez, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent of Esperanza Academy: “With this opening, we complete our vision of an integrated educational experience under one system, rooted in academic excellence, cultural respect, and real opportunity for our students.”
Later, the inaugural ceremony was hosted by 6ABC news anchor Walter Pérez, who welcomed the audience. The event brought together school leaders, faculty, local officials, families, students, and neighbors gathered to celebrate a project that promises to transform access to quality education.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating the opening of a building, but the realization of a dream that began over two decades ago,” said Rev. Luis Cortés, founder and CEO of Esperanza, the nonprofit that established the school and serves as its management company. “This new space represents the promise of an excellent education for the youngest members of our community, starting with their first steps in school.”
A building designed for excellence
Located at 201 W. Hunting Park Avenue, the new school building spans over 73,000 square feet and was thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience. It includes modern classrooms, STEAM labs, art and music rooms, a fully equipped gym, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a flexible multipurpose space with movable walls for school and community events.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, parents eagerly explored the facilities that will welcome their children for years to come.
Anthony Ramos, father of two students, shared: “It’s a proud moment to finally have a space like this for our children. I’m happy because Esperanza upholds values that will give them access to a good education.”
Since its founding in 2000, Esperanza Academy has made a significant impact on Philadelphia’s Latino community. Currently, 92% of its students are Hispanic, many from low-income families. 85% receive free or reduced-price lunch, 27% are English language learners, and 21% receive special education services.
Despite these challenges, 93% of students graduate within four years, and 61% go on to college. The integration of the elementary level into the K-12 system aims to strengthen these opportunities from the earliest stages of learning.
“You can’t tell a child they can be anything they want in life and then not give them the tools to achieve it,” said Rev. Danny Cortés, Executive Vice President and COO of Esperanza. “This building is not just concrete and glass; it’s a statement of values. Here, we believe all our children deserve the best—regardless of their ZIP code or background.
Beyond the classroom
In addition to its cutting-edge infrastructure, the new elementary school will offer extracurricular programs, personalized support services, and a focus on developing students’ social, cultural, spiritual, and technological skills.
Esperanza Academy is also known for offering 13 curricular concentrations in its middle and high schools, and up to 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses—more than any other charter school in Philadelphia. With the full integration of the elementary level, the school lays the foundation for a continuous, coherent, and rigorous academic path.
An investment in the future
The opening of this new facility is not only an investment in education, but also in the future of Hunting Park and Philadelphia’s Latino community. As Rev. Luis Cortés said in a statement to Impacto: “This building is a promise—a promise to our children that they will find the tools here to dream, build, and lead. A promise to our families that they are not alone. And a promise to our community that the future is already here, and it begins in these classrooms.”
A promising future for Hunting Park
With this new building, Esperanza Academy not only expands its educational capacity but also reaffirms its mission to foster a community defined by hope, quality, and opportunity. This opening stands as a symbol of tangible progress; a pillar of community transformation that confirms that in Philadelphia, quality education is within everyone’s reach.
For more information about the curriculum and educational programs, visit: www.esperanzaacademycs.org
