For more than 40 years, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) has been committed to providing high-quality adult education and wraparound services that change lives and improve communities.
To improve communities, we believe that fostering community within AoH is essential. As a part of our CARES Values (Community, Acceptance, Respect, Empowerment, and Service), we create an atmosphere where individuals feel they can be their authentic selves. We promote caring for one another, and believe we are stronger when we work together.
We do our part by showing up everyday, spreading kindness and respect to AoH learners. AoH prides itself on engaging, understanding, and appreciating each learner for who they are by listening to their stories and needs. AoH learners can rely on staff, alumni, volunteers, and each other for support. Knowing that they have someone to lean on brings comfort and boosts confidence, motivating learners to do their best in and outside of the classroom.
Our Student Success and Academic Engagement Team is also available to help learners who may need extra support. The team is available to speak with learners surrounding issues related to personal or educational pursuits, provide resources, and follow up. They also offer several programs that address common topics of interest (i.e., mental health), providing a safe space for learners to share their stories. Participation in these programs are high, with many learners joining to listen and understand how to better care for their AoH peers.
Alongside support, AoH provides a range of recreational activities for learners and staff. These activities range from educational events in accordance with awareness months, special days in history, or topics that learners are interested in, to celebratory events marking learner accomplishments. For example, both campuses organized an End of Year Celebration, celebrating the Class of 2026 and learners for continuing their academic journey. Participants ate delicious food, had the chance to win prizes, and participated in field games to bring the school year to a close.
The support, unity, and camaraderie makes AoH feel more than a school; it’s a family. Read a few testimonials from learners, alumni, and staff, on how they feel being at AoH:
“I’ve been passing out cards promoting Academy of Hope because I want people to get what I’m getting; not just the education, but the love. Caring people are here. We stick together. I love the Academy of Hope family,” Learner Sabrina A.
“At Academy of Hope, you know that there are people around and it’s safe for you to care for them, and to let yourself be cared for by them. Last year was the toughest year of my life … I honestly don’t think I would’ve made it through last year without my AoH family,” Teacher William Walker
“When you meet good people, you keep them. I didn’t have good people in my life until I met my teacher, Ms. Banks … Ms. Banks and other staff saturate this building with hope, ” Alum Rozina K.
“It’s great to be at the school itself and have events like this [Stride for Hope 5k & Homecoming Festival] because it inspires you more. It encourages you more to finish school because Academy of Hope is such a loving family. They help you in every aspect with everything you need,” Learner Rositta B.
“While we were rehearsing and preparing for graduation, I really felt a part of a family. When I was practicing the speech, I froze a little bit. All the graduates were so positive and said, ‘Hey Kevin, you got it. You’re good, take a deep breath.’ After that, I kept going, and my speech was flowing,” Alum Kevin J.
“When your workplace feels like family, every challenge is easier because you’re surrounded by support you can count on,” Student Success and Academic Engagement Specialist, Porsha James
