Monarch School: A Unique School In San Diego

I recently visited Barrio Logan, the Chicano center of San Diego, and learned about a most unique school that recently opened. Actually, the Monarch School began 25 years ago as a small drop-off center for homeless children. The new Monarch School campus in Barrio Logan, named after lead donors Nat and Flora Bosa, was recently completed, with both private and public funds. The project provides healthcare, clothing and food along with enrichment and support programs including an after school program, tutoring counseling, expressive arts therapy and family assistance. This is all in addition to a complete curriculum for children grades K-12, showers for kids that need to clean up at school. Monarch School is the only program of its kind in the country serving K-12 homeless youth, and is a model for how a community can successfully educate homeless children to become productive citizens. Many of the graduates of Monarch School are pursuing higher degrees. For many children, they are the first in their family to graduate from high school, let alone college. In their honor's program (out of 65 students) 36 students made the honor roll, with at 3.0 GPA, while 22 students made the principals honor roll with a 3.5 or above GPA. It shows what can be done if children are given the opportunity, and the help they need to achieve. Hopefully other cities will see the value of Monarch School and create places of learning for children who face very difficult challenges.