Mission, Vision, Beliefs
Our animated video, Reimagining Urban Education, illustrates the framework of Esperanza Academy’s unique program. It is available in English and Spanish and takes less than two minutes to watch.
Our Mission
Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free, all-girls, middle school, built on justice and centered in joy. We celebrate, support, and inspire each student to embrace their brilliance. Our program empowers girls to redefine what is expected of them, to counter societal limitations, and to take on challenges that will positively impact the trajectory of their lives in Lawrence, MA and beyond.
Our Vision
We won’t let poverty win. Our vision reimagines how education can move children into fulfilling futures. Our work will transform lives, our city, our state, and our nation by transforming Esperanza into a model for what urban education should be.
Our Beliefs
1. We believe that learning and growth happen in a community of justice.
2. We believe that creating high-quality learning opportunities for students of color is anti-racist.
3. We believe that access to foundational and critical literacies in reading, writing, and math is a right.
4. We believe that building relationships breaks down walls and challenges bias.
5. We believe that music therapy supports social, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
6. We believe that honoring cultural wealth helps students thrive.
7. We believe that a long-term commitment to the educational journeys of our students helps them disrupt the cycle of poverty.
8. We believe in the power of community to support and lift our students and their families.
9. We believe that teachers are central to this work and we can’t do it without them.
10. We believe that there is immense power in being a girl.
Our Pillars
Academic Excellence happens because student-centered teaching and learning is always high challenge, high support, and high joy.
Restorative Justice creates accountability by approaching relationships from a place of trust and transparency, and discipline from a place of curiosity and compassion.
Love of Community affirms the values and traditions of our students’ cultures to help them see their strengths, value their voices, and thrive in new settings.
Music Therapy creates a space for students to express themselves, manage stress, and increase their confidence to meet social, emotional, and academic goals.
Graduate Support is a long-term commitment to walk alongside students on their educational journeys helping them build a roadmap to their dream lives.
