In 2001 East Side Union  High School District (ESUHSD) in partnership with The National Hispanic University embarked on a unique mission to promote a “college going culture” among youth served by both institutions.  Anchoring this effort was ESUHSD’ approval of a charter high school (Latino College Preparatory Academy) serving Spanish speaking English Language Learner students.  Further strengthening this concept is an understanding that locating the charter on NHU’ campus provides students and their parents with realistic expectations about college as an integral part of the educational experience. 

Of the first 150 ELL students who make up the first 2 graduating classes at the LCPA, over 65% enrolled in college.  This supports the vision and courage of the early adopters who saw an opportunity to improve academic excellence for Latino students in the East Side of San Jose.

The following attributes of this partnership between LCPA and NHU provides our staff and students unique opportunities that other local schools do not have.

• Strong, committed relationship with the National Hispanic University
• An 8 year educational pipeline
• Academic preparedness for college
• Financial aide guidance and support
• NHU Teacher Ed. Dept., provides professional development
• Math & Science Initiative through NHU’ public and private partnerships.
• Excellent Athletic fields
• Environment of  “Respect”
• Clean & Safe learning environment
• WASC Accredited
• 5 year Charter renewal (unconditional) – unanimous board approval
• Administrative support (food program, audits, purchasing, HR)
• One of three high schools in ESUHSD to meet their 2006 AYP
• National Scholastic Press Association 10th place in US

Additional Highlights:

• High expectations in a clean and safe atmosphere that offers free, nutritious home-cooked cultural meals for all students, an extensive library and sends many of its graduates to neighboring National Hispanic University.
• State test results for academic year 2005-06 showed significant improvements across all grades and subjects. The senior and sophomore classes doubled their scores on English language proficiency tests, beating state and county averages. It was particularly significant given the school is 100% designed for English language learners.
• The school newspaper, AQUI LCPA, a bilingual monthly tabloid, came in tenth place in the 2006 National Scholastic Press Awards for its special reports package on crystal meth abuse. This was the first time in 30 years a first-year newspaper has won one of the top prizes in the annual Best of Show competition; the first time a small newspaper has placed; and the first time a newspaper not printed on newsprint has won. Several of the students who started that newspaper have now moved on to the school yearbook.
• The school's Spanish AP course won praise after every student (25) who took the exam in 2006 passed it.
• LCPA' poetry club were area grand champions and compete in events around Silicon Valley. The boys' soccer team won the 2006 Central Coast Section championship; the women’s soccer and softball teams were the league champions in the same year. The school also boasts a diverse coaching staff that includes community volunteers.
• Students have applied to many Ivy League schools, as well as the UC and CSU systems including Stanford University.
• Twenty-five of our current freshmen are in enrolled in a university Physics class two days a week during their school day.
• Twenty of our current juniors and seniors are enrolled in a university Pre-Calculus class two days week as a part of their school schedule.