King-Chávez Academy of Excellence: Home of the Cheetahs

    Our mission—We seek excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics from the foundation of love—is incorporated at our charter school and encompasses the curricular, instructional, and philosophical focus of our organization. We are committed to promoting social justice through educational reform by developing high quality charter schools in neighborhoods with historically low-performing public schools. King-Chávez Academy of Excellence (KCAE) strives to cultivate nurturing relationships while providing an academically rigorous, supportive, and safe environment for its students at each school so that the relationship between the teacher, student, and family can thrive.
     KCAE opened its doors to the community in September 2001, serving grades K–7 with an initial enrollment of 75 students. However, by year’s end it exceeded 200 students. In the 2002–03 school year KCAE expanded to serve grades K–8. Our school has adopted class-size reduction in grades K–3 and implemented instruction delivered in a small-group setting at all grade levels. This includes English language development, guided math, and guided reading. In 2007, the school moved from the leased facility at the Calvary Church. KCAE acquired its current site, leased by the San Diego Unified School District under Proposition 39, and has been sharing a campus with Memorial Preparatory Academy.
     KCAE provides its students with a high-caliber education through a rigorous, college-preparatory, standards-based curriculum, and holds high academic expectations for all students. Curriculum and instruction is delivered through the use of various pedagogical strategies by a dedicated and highly qualified faculty. KCAE provides its students with on-site academic and social supports to ensure academic success for all.