Greetings scholars and families!

My name is Larrise Lane, the proud principal of Aspire APEX Academy; home of the Wildcats in Downtown Stockton. This year will be my 14th year with Aspire Public Schools! The property where we are located, Trinity Lutheran is very special to me, as I began my elementary teaching career, here as a founding 2nd-grade teacher of Aspire Port City Academy.

I was blessed to serve under the principalship of our now Central Valley Area Superintendent, Mr. Tony Solina. After teaching 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, I became an instructional coach serving teachers from Sacramento to Modesto, including some wonderful teachers at APEX. After serving as an instructional coach, I joined APEX full time as their Dean of Instruction and now Principal.

I have a huge commitment to Stockton, particularly South Stockton, where I was raised by my southern grandparents. Growing up with an “old soul” I have a strong passion for integrity, kindness, love, service to the community, and social justice. My leadership style would be described as always bringing in your real and authentic selves to school—this includes, staff, families, and scholars. One cannot truly learn if they do not have a true understanding of who they are.

“Identity” is a piece of the foundation when making systemic change in our world. Being that we bring our whole and real selves into our school you will often see our staff smiling, hugging, joking, and loving on children. Our scholars are usually dancing, laughing, and of course busy learning in their classrooms.

Creating project-based learning curriculum through the lens of social justice, equality and equity is a passion of mine. I believe purposeful units of study fosters: critical thinking through complex texts, teaches 21st-century skills, upholds high standards for all students, and fosters scholars to be bold to speak about real-world ideas and stand up for what is right! My ultimate goal is for our Wildcats to fully understand that true education is equal to service to others- their communities and families.

Lastly, I am fully confident in our APEX staff! We have real conversations about the needs of scholars, families, and each other and are committed to “changing the odds” for our Wildcats. Our deans, Mrs. Jenniffer Leyva, and Mr. Robert McDonald IV are also committed to “fight the fight” of changing conditions in our current school systems, by interrupting oppression by bringing out what each child individually brings to our school- their culture, beliefs, strengths, loves, dislikes, etc. Each child is a part of the curriculum, program, and community!

As a school in Stockton working to pave the way to do what is best for our kids and families, we will go “above and beyond” to be of support to our families and community at large. If you get the chance to visit us, listen for our mantra, “We are smart, we lead, and more importantly…WE SERVE.”

Larrise Lane, Principal