Latino College Preparatory Academy (LCPA) is a charter high school located at 1966 Flint Avenue in San Jose. Dr Roberto Cruz founded LCPA in 2002 – in partnership with the National Hispanic University, former assemblyman Joe Coto and the Eastside Union High School District. The mission of LCPA is to enable English Language Learners to become college ready through a four-year high school education. Enrollment has grown to 400 Spanish-speaking students.  They serve the Alum Rock and Mt Pleasant middle schools. Plans are in process to open two new schools in 2014.

LCPA’s curriculum is tailored to offer double courses in English and Math, as well as four years of Spanish for native language students.  Because of these programs, LCPA’s graduation rate is 95%!  In 2012 LCPA  awarded California’s Seal of Bi-literacy to 24 students who demonstrated proficiency in both English and Spanish. LCPA led all county schools in awarding the Seal of Bi-literacy. Each year 50% of the students are accepted to a California State University.

The remaining students,  prepared to enter the local community colleges at Evergreen and DeAnza, later successfully transferred to a State University after completing community college courses. LCPA offers a one of a kind comprehensive Early University Program partnered with the National Hispanic University. This program enables the students to graduate with an average of 12 units of college credit courses and a savings in college tuition.

LCPA has an outstanding bilingual faculty. The teachers experienced many of the challenges facing the students and offer a strong support system of caring. LCPA offers a unique Student Success Center staffed by 2 full time academic counselors and 2 part time college counselors. The Center also offers personal counseling services in partnership with the Foothill Family Community Clinic. LCPA has a strong sports program with outstanding boys’ soccer and LaCrosse teams, and girls’ volleyball and basketball teams. LCPA’s debate team recently finished third in a competition at UC Santa Cruz.

LCPA is operated and supported by The NHU Foundation, a private non-profit foundation.  The Foundation is managed by an outstanding group of local business leaders including representatives from the Sobrato Foundation, US Bank, Symantec Corporation, the University of Santa Clara, Safeway Stores and Therma Corporation. In the past 2 years nearly $400,000 in funds have been contributed to support LCPA’s summer schools and its increase in technology capacity.