B. ROBERTO CRUZ LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

B. Roberto Cruz 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 229 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 13 teachers, B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. 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 B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy (BRCLA), located in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose, is a public charter high school that operates under the East Side Union High School District. Named after the late educator and community leader Roberto Cruz, the school is founded on the principles of social justice, cultural pride, and community service. It is designed to provide a personalized, rigorous academic environment that prepares students not only for college and career success but also for active and ethical leadership within their local and global communities.

The academy is well-known for its small-school model, which emphasizes strong relationships between students, faculty, and families. By integrating a curriculum that highlights Chicano/Latino history and culture, BRCLA seeks to empower students to advocate for themselves and others. Through a combination of college-preparatory coursework, service-learning projects, and a focus on "culturally responsive pedagogy," the school aims to close the opportunity gap and develop the next generation of civic-minded leaders who are equipped to address the unique challenges of the 21st century.

For more information, contact B. Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy at (408) 729-2281 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.