The Foundation for Hispanic Education

The Foundation for Hispanic Education (TFHE) was established in 1981 as a product of the late Dr. B. Roberto Cruz’s vision of providing quality education and support for all underserved learners, with a focus on Latino students.

Serving the East San Jose community for over 30 years, the Foundation currently operates the Center for Latino Education and Innovation along with three charter high schools.

The Foundation for Hispanic Education charter high schools, the Latino College Preparatory Academy, the Luis Valdez Leadership Academy and the Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy, are located in East San Jose, and are a part of the East Side Union High School District. Our incoming students are largely English language learners and at least two academic grade levels behind their peers. We believe that with a strong support system in school, our students will be on track to becoming first generation college students.

Our Schools:

Latino College Preparatory Academy - “Motivate Support Prepare”

In 2001, in response to the burgeoning Latino population in San Jose, TFHE established a bilingual charter school, Latino College Preparatory Academy (LCPA). Since then, LCPA’s mission has been to enable underserved high school English Language Learners (ELL) to become bi-literate in English and Spanish and proficient in mathematics and science while remaining culturally responsive to ensure their ability to successfully complete requirements for a high school diploma and pursue post-secondary educational opportunities. LCPA has the goal to attract and maintain a cohesive teaching Familia, and to develop all teachers to become community responsive Master Teachers.

Luis Valdez Leadership Academy- “Leading Persevering College-Going”

In 2014, TFHE opened its second charter high school serving the East San Jose community, Luis Valdez Leadership Academy (LVLA).  LVLA is committed to providing a rigorous academic program designed to instill a lifelong passion for learning and to equip students with the skills for social and academic success at four year colleges, universities and local community colleges. LVLA has embodied the legacy of its namesake- Luis Valdez- by integrating  visual arts, performing arts, and digital media program into its curriculum. LVLA provides incoming teachers with a teaching environment that fosters creativity, personal growth and a strong sense of community.

Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy- “Learning Serving Leading”

TFHE opened its third charter high school, Roberto Cruz Leadership Academy (RCLA), serving the San Jose community in 2015. RCLA hopes to honor the legacy and vision of its namesake, Dr. B. Roberto Cruz, by making it its mission to inspire and cultivate competent, ethical educational leaders committed to serving the community. RCLA will provide founding teachers with a culture of innovation.