Reimagining Education for Latinx Students: Innovative Models Centering Equity and Excellence

This Latinx Heritage Month, we’re pushing back on the portrayal of the Latinx community as a monolith—it’s anything but. While there are shared cultural elements, the experiences of Latinx students in the U.S. education system are as varied and rich as the countries and cultures they come from.

But that fact is at odds with the industrial model of school, one that assumes a one-size-fits-all approach will work for all students.

Schools can serve as places that reinforce problematic stereotypes or as identity-affirming environments that celebrate all students for being their authentic selves. Innovative school models prioritize equity, personalization, and cultural relevance—and celebrate each student’s unique identities.

Teachers actually get to know you as a person and not just as a student.

Ahtziri Gonzales, a former student at Arise High School in Oakland, California

This blog post will explore three innovative school models that serve primarily Latinx populations. These models exemplify how schools can adapt to meet the unique needs of their students and represent key shifts schools need to make so they can prepare all young people to thrive, which we collectively refer to as the Leaps for Equitable, 21st-Century Learning.

Here are a few inspiring models from our Innovative Models Exchange:

Arise High School: Adelante Student Services

Arise High School in Oakland, California, is a prime example of a school that is committed to providing a high-quality, equitable education for its predominantly Latinx student body. (95% of the students are Latinx/Hispanic.) The Adelante Student Services program is a key component of this approach. Adelante provides intensive support to help students succeed academically and socio-emotionally, recognizing that every student has unique needs.

Key elements of the Adelante model include:

• Personalized support: Providing a thorough system of academic mentorship, advisory, and restorative justice praxis.
• Restorative approach: Fostering a culture of respect, perseverance, and leadership.
• Strong partnerships: Collaborating with families and community organizations to provide comprehensive support.

Key Leaps addressed:

• Affirmation of Self & Others: Arise’s focus on restorative justice and community building helps students develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
• High Expectations with Unlimited Opportunities: The school’s rigorous academic program, coupled with personalized support, ensures that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Connection & Community: Arise’s emphasis on building strong relationships among students, staff, and families fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Building 21: Competency-Based Education

Building 21 Allentown is a non-selective high school using a competency-based education (CBE) model to serve a diverse student population that is more than 72% Hispanic/Latinx. This model focuses on personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and demonstrate their learning through authentic assessments.

Key features of the Building 21 model include:

• Student-centered learning: Engaging students in problem- and project-based learning in Studios allows them to pursue their interests.
• Personalized support: Providing students with individualized feedback and opportunities to grow at their own pace.
• Community partnerships: Involving families and community members in the planning and implementation of CBE.

Key Leaps addressed:

• Relevance: Building 21’s focus on real-world problem-solving and project-based learning ensures that students’ education is relevant and meaningful.
• Customization: The CBE model allows students to personalize their learning paths based on their individual needs and interests.
• Active Self-Direction: By giving students agency over their learning, Building 21 empowers them to become active participants in their education.

Intrinsic Schools: EPIC

Intrinsic’s Belmont campus on the west side of Chicago serves a student population that is more than 90% Hispanic/Latinx. Intrinsic Schools’ EPIC model is designed to prepare students for postsecondary success and motivate them to be change agents. It focuses on areas of learning beyond academics, such as advisory, Choice Day, postsecondary seminar & counseling, exploration experiences, and student-led conferences.

Key aspects of the EPIC model include:

• Personalized postsecondary planning: Helping students identify their interests, strengths, and goals, and develop a tailored plan for their future.
• Family engagement: Building strong partnerships with families to support student success.
• Community partnerships: Providing students with opportunities to explore different pathways and build a network of support.

Key Leaps addressed:

• Active Self-Direction: EPIC empowers students to take ownership of their learning and career paths.
• Affirmation of Self & Others: The program helps students explore their interests, develop a strong identity, and build supportive relationships.
• Customization: EPIC offers personalized support and opportunities for students to explore a variety of pathways.