Building Confidence, Community, and Opportunity Through ESL at Valor Academy Elementary School
Written By: Community Schools Manager, Yadira Sanchez
On June 4, Valor Academy Elementary School (VAES) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of families and community members participating in our English as a Second Language (ESL) program, a partnership between VAES and Los Angeles Mission College.
The celebration marked the completion of a semester-long journey for a dedicated group of parents and community members who committed themselves to learning English while balancing work, family responsibilities, and the many demands of daily life.
What makes this program especially meaningful is that it grew directly from the voices of our families and community. Two years ago, as part of our Community Schools planning process, we conducted a comprehensive needs and assets assessment. One of the most common requests from families was access to English classes and a dedicated space where parents and community members could gather, learn, and build connections on campus.
Today, we are proud to see that vision come to life.
The classes are held in the VAES Community Center, a welcoming space designed to support family partnerships along lifelong learning. Through our partnership with Los Angeles Mission College, parents and community members have had the opportunity to strengthen their English language skills while building confidence in navigating their children's education, communicating with school staff, and pursuing personal and professional goals.
Throughout the semester, participants attended classes twice a week, demonstrating incredible perseverance and commitment. Their dedication reflects the belief that learning does not stop when students leave the classroom. It is a lifelong journey that can transform entire families.
The celebration brought together students, staff, school leaders, and community partners to recognize the accomplishments of the participants. Participants received certificates honoring their hard work and had the opportunity to reflect on their growth throughout the program.
One participant shared how deeply grateful she was for the opportunity to join the ESL program. After years of managing a chronic illness and dedicating herself to caring for her family, she enrolled in the class to finally do something for herself. She shared that the program has renewed her sense of purpose and that her family has noticed she is happier, more energized, and more hopeful. Although she was initially nervous to enroll, she immediately felt welcomed and found a supportive community that she now considers like family.
As part of the program, participants visited Los Angeles Mission College, where they received student IDs, toured the campus, learned about the many student support services available to them, and explored career pathways they can pursue after completing their English courses. Inspired by the experience, she enrolled in summer classes at the college to continue her education and begin working toward her career goals.
As a Community School, Valor Academy Elementary is committed to responding to the needs and strengths of our families. The success of the ESL program demonstrates what is possible when schools, families, and community partners work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for growth.
We are grateful to Los Angeles Mission College for their partnership, to our dedicated instructor for guiding our families throughout the semester, and most importantly, to the parents whose determination and commitment inspire us all.
As we look ahead to the new school year, VAES is excited to continue expanding opportunities for families through our partnership with Los Angeles Mission College. Whether you are interested in improving your English, exploring career pathways, or becoming more connected to your child's school community, we invite you to join us. Enrollment for our next ESL cohort will open in early August. Families and community members interested in participating can contact our Community School Manager, Yadira Sanchez, or contact the VAES main office to learn more.
Congratulations to our ESL participants! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication to learning are worth celebrating!
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Yadira Sanchez is the Community Schools Manager for Valor Academy Elementary School and a dedicated team member of our Cubs community.
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