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Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy earns Silver Certification from the Linked Learning Alliance

We are thrilled to share that Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy’s Design for Social Change: an Engineering Pathway has earned Silver Certification from the Linked Learning Alliance!

Linked Learning Certification is a rigorous, evidence-based process that recognizes pathways that integrate strong academics with real-world learning, student supports, and post-secondary readiness.
This recognition means our students are developing the skills to tackle complex challenges, apply engineering and design thinking to social issues, and graduate prepared for both college and career success.

A huge congratulations to our incredible educators, students, and partners who brought this vision to life. This is a powerful milestone on our journey to expand opportunities and equity for young people in Oakland. Congratulations, Aspire Public Schools Bay Area and our Oakland Aspire schools!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aspire Public Schools Bay Area Presents to the Oakland Unified School District Board of Directors for 2 School Renewals and 1 Merger

Last week, Aspire Public Schools Bay Area participated in initial charter renewal hearings with the Oakland Unified School District for Aspire College Academy (ACA), Aspire Golden State College Preparatory Academy (GSP), and the material revision/merger proposal for Aspire College Triumph Academy (ACTA).

We are deeply grateful to the many families, students, staff, and leaders who showed up in support. Your voices and presence remind us why this work matters, and there is much to celebrate as we look toward securing five-year renewals for both our elementary and secondary schools.

Highlights from our schools:

  • Aspire College Academy (ACA): In each of the last two years—and with the anticipated release of 2025 data—ACA has seen double-digit growth in both Math and ELA on state assessments. In addition, ACA has demonstrated tremendous growth in family satisfaction as measured by nationally normed Panorama survey results, especially in the area of school fit.

  • Aspire Golden State College Preparatory Academy (GSP): Using 2024 California Dashboard data, GSP is in the top 10.3% of schools statewide for the percentage of Blue indicators on the state dashboard. Notably, GSP earned Blue in English Learner Progress and the College and Career Indicator—two critical academic measures—alongside graduation rate outcomes.

We thank everyone who has been part of this process and look forward to next month’s decision hearings.

   

Celebrating our 15+ year teammates at Aspire Public Schools Bay Area

Last week, Aspire Public Schools Bay Area proudly celebrated a group of extraordinary teammates at alaMar Dominican Kitchen in Oakland. It was an evening focused on honoring those who have dedicated over 15 years of commitment and leadership at Aspire Public Schools.

15+ years represents early mornings, consistent dedication to students, and an enduring belief in the power of education to disrupt cycles of injustice. These educators have not only helped build schools, but they have also created spaces where young people can question, grow, and thrive.

Over the years, they have stood on the front lines of public education in California. They have navigated the 2008 U.S. recession, shifting policies, and a global pandemic. And through it all, they have remained committed to a vision of schooling where every student is seen, affirmed, and prepared to think critically and act boldly in the world.

Over 30 Aspire Bay Area educators have 15+ years in our organization, and last week, Executive Director Javier Cabra Walteros gave the new members of this 15+ crew their well-deserved letter jacket.

 

 

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