At a crucial moment for education in North Philadelphia, Esperanza Academy Charter School is preparing to officially inaugurate its new elementary school facilities, a project that represents a significant investment in the future of Latino/e/Hispanic families in the city.
Located at 201 W. Hunting Park Ave., the new school will open its doors this Thursday, August 21, as part of Esperanza’s commitment to bilingual, inclusive, and culturally relevant education. Founded in 2000 by the nonprofit organization Esperanza, the institution has been a cornerstone in nurturing young leaders within the community.
The opening marks a milestone in a decades-long educational vision. For Esperanza’s Executive Vice President, Danny Cortés, a key figure in this journey, it represents much more than a new building, it’s the realization of a shared dream.
“About 28 years ago, a group of people gathered around a table with the idea of opening a school that would truly meet our youth’s needs,” Cortés recalls. “Unfortunately, schools in the area were not doing that, which was causing personal setbacks and limiting opportunities.”
The Importance of language and bicultural identity
One of the defining features of Esperanza’s educational initiative is its commitment to bilingualism and bicultural identity.
“When you’re Hispanic, you don’t think about being Hispanic, you just are,” he explains. “At our school, we walk in who we are: owners of our identity. The culture and institutional ethos reflect that. Our own students come back as teachers, they cook in the cafeteria, walk the hallways. That’s what being truly bicultural means.”
“The opening of this elementary school not only expands our educational capacity but also reflects 25 years of sustained effort to transform North Philadelphia. It’s a bet on children, families, and an educational model that values language, culture, and a sense of belonging,” he added.
25 Years of achievements and unforgettable moments
Choosing just one highlight from a quarter-century isn’t easy, but the reverend emphasizes that graduation moments stand out as among the most meaningful: “When a student enters one of the best universities in the country thanks to years of effort, that’s priceless. Seeing them move from high school to college or simply advance a grade, seeing their parents’ happiness… that’s when you feel like you’re doing God’s work.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Evelyn Nuñez, Chief Executive Officer/ Superintendent of Esperanza Academy Charter School, shared more about the significance of this achievement: “We are super happy and proud of this new project. After so many years, we’ve achieved the goal of opening Esperanza Academy’s elementary school,”.
The new building, constructed over the past four years, is fully equipped to deliver a top-tier educational experience: “We have spacious classrooms, a gymnasium, a cafeteria with meals prepared by our staff, plus programs in music, art, technology, and a STEM lab.”
But beyond infrastructure, Esperanza’s vision is both educational and cultural. The school offers a curriculum that is both bilingual and inclusive: “The curriculum will be in English and Spanish, and we’ll also teach students about their culture. They will have readings that reflect who they are and where they come from.”
A message of commitment
Closing the conversation, Dr. Evelyn Núñez shared her profound aspiration as the leader of this new initiative: «We work as a team – teachers, leaders, and parents – to prepare young people who graduate, return to their community, and serve. We want them to remember the quality education they received here.»
She concluded with a clear invitation: “I want to welcome everyone to the Esperanza Academy. We are here to serve students, families, and this community.”
Esperanza, as the parent organization and management company for the school, has been recognized for its multifaceted work, including education, economic development, arts, housing, and faith. With this new expansion, it aims to continue creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
The inauguration, to include community leaders and local families, will be a collective celebration, representing not just the new infrastructure, but what it stands for in terms of progress, equity, and hope.
Editor Eduardo Garcia
