EJE ACADEMIES HOLDS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING

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New state-of-the-art learning facilities and programming to support the academic achievement of EJEA students

March 2, 2023 (El Cajon) --  Excellence and Justice in Education Academies (EJEA) is proud to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new, $20 million, state-of-the-art middle school building, that was held on February 23, at 851 S. Johnson Avenue in El Cajon, California.

“This is much more than just a groundbreaking for a new school,” said Janet Vasquez, Executive Director of EJEA.  “This is the beginning of a new path to better futures through equity in education for thousands of current and future EJEA families.” said Janet Vasquez, Executive Director, EJEA.“

Funded in part by a $9.1 million grant from the State of California, the new, two-story middle school will replace the school’s outdated, unrenovated, and crowded facilities that were built in the 1940s.  Designed by award-winning architects, this energy- and water-efficient building will feature a specialized 1,500 square-foot STEAM makerspace, an Alumni, College, and Career Center, and an acoustically designed music classroom with advanced sound systems.

“Our students and families are resilient, and they continue to achieve despite not having equitable access to the technologically modern facilities that they deserve,” said EJEA founder Eva Pacheco.  “This middle school will change that.  It is the door to an entirely new world of possibilities for our students.  It is an investment in new facilities to support the learning, exploration, and achievement of our students, teachers, and staff for decades to come.”

Guest speakers at the groundbreaking included EJEA founder Eva Pacheco, EJEA supporters Elizabeth and John Leonard, El Cajon Deputy Mayor Michelle Metschel, EJEA Student Ambassadors, and other dignitaries.

View video of Native American tribal members welcoming the school's new addition.

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Founded in 2005, EJEA is a dual immersion Spanish/English charter school focused on social justice and serving over 800 students in El Cajon.  Ninety-two (92) percent of EJEA students are low income families, 90 percent are Latino/a, and 82 percent qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. EJEA has over 400 -student waiting list.  With its roots in a parent advocacy group that fought for two decades to ensure families had access to quality bilingual education programs, EJEA’s TK-8 curriculum prepares students from diverse populations to excel in higher education and to be leaders in creating a just global society.  For more information on EJE Academies, please visit www.ejeacademies.org

 


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