LUIS VALDEZ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy is a Title I public charter high school that is part of the East Side Union High school district, located in San Jose, CA with about 380 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 19 teachers, Luis Valdez Leadership Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 20:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Luis Valdez Leadership Academy (LVLA) is a public charter high school located in the East San Jose community. Named after the influential playwright and activist Luis Valdez, the school is deeply rooted in the philosophy of social justice, cultural pride, and community empowerment. LVLA provides a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum designed to meet the A-G requirements of the University of California and California State University systems, ensuring that its students are well-prepared for higher education and professional careers.

Beyond its academic focus, the academy distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on leadership development and civic engagement. By integrating humanities-based learning with real-world problem solving, the school encourages students to become active, informed participants in their local community. With a commitment to bilingualism and the celebration of Chicano/Latino heritage, LVLA fosters a supportive, identity-affirming environment that aims to bridge the educational opportunity gap and prepare the next generation of leaders for success in a global society.

For more information, contact Luis Valdez Leadership Academy at (408) 479-0253 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.