King-Chavez Academy of Excellence Home

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About Us

Welcome to King-Chavez Academy of Excellence, the home of the Cheetahs! KCAE was the first King-Chavez school to open its doors in 2000, and we have been empowering TK through 8th grade students ever since. Construction plans are underway at our Barrio Logan campus and we are excited to bring a brand new, vibrant campus to our vibrant community! The campus will include a state-of-the-art two-story building that is designed to inspire collaboration and creative thinking, soccer field, track, basketball court, and play structure. Our Dual Language Immersion program continues to thrive and pave the way for our students to achieve the California State Seal of Biliteracy, a distinguished achievement recognized by college admissions and employers.

In our pursuit of excellence, we continue to refine the different layers of universal and targeted academic and social-emotional support, while also building strong connections with students and families built from a foundation of love.

Our unique approach to learning includes:

- Dual language immersion through which 50 percent of the day is taught completely in Spanish and the other half taught in English to promote proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in both languages. Currently, all TK-2nd grade students participate and the program will expand by one grade level each subsequent year
- Spanish instruction twice per week for 3rd-8th graders
- Small class sizes to ensure that every student receives individualized support
- Embedded mental health supports and daily dynamic mindfulness practice
- Customized partnerships through our Community School model that support the whole child
- Free Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO), including competitive athletic programs, after-school clubs, before and after school programs, and academic/enrichment programs during school breaks
- Free field trips throughout the year

We invite you to join us in our mission as we seek excellence in academics, arts, and athletics from the foundation of love!

Our Dual Language Approach

Speaking multiple languages has been proven to enhance memory, concentration, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and multitasking skills. It helps build cross-cultural understanding, self-esteem, and positive attitudes toward global languages and cultures – and it broadens our students’ understanding of the global society we live in today.

Those are just a few of the many great reasons why King-Chavez Neighborhood of Schools launched our Dual Language Program in 2019. The program consists of 50 percent of the day taught completely in Spanish and the other half taught in English to promote proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in both languages.

As of the 2023-2024 school year, all TK-2nd grade students at Academy of Excellence participate in the Dual Language Program. The program will expand by one grade level each subsequent year with the goal that all King-Chavez TK-5th grade students fully participate in dual language immersion by the 2026-2027 school year. While the program continues to roll out, grades that do not currently participate in the Dual Language Program engage in Spanish classes twice each week.

Teachers work at each student’s individual pace to ensure they are grasping the concepts being taught as they progress throughout the year. Additionally, teachers work closely with students whose primary language at home is something other than English to become proficient in the English language – and, in doing so, achieve ELPAC Reclassification status. The program’s goal is to have all students earn a CA State Seal of Biliteracy by the end of high school, which is recognized as a statement of accomplishment by college admissions and employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will two languages confuse my child or "slow down" his/her academic progress?

No, there is no research to indicate that learning in two languages will confuse students or slow down academic progress.

Does it matter if no one at home speaks Spanish?

No. It is important to encourage high levels of language development in the dominant language of the home. Research indicates that strong language skills in the native language transfer to new languages that are introduced.

How long until my child is fluent in a second language?

Research states that it takes between 5 and 10 years to become fluent.