Executive Director's Message

Welcome to Creative Arts Charter School!

 

We are thrilled to welcome you to Creative Arts Charter School (CACS) as we celebrate our 31st anniversary! Moving into our 4th decade, our school has grown into a vibrant community where joy, academic achievement, and social-emotional wellness are at the heart of everything we do.

 

My journey to CACS has been a diverse and enriching one. I spent more than a decade teaching in Oakland and New York City, where I experienced the full spectrum of educational environments. From dynamic and progressive schools to those focused on rigorous drilling and test preparation, I saw students excel in different ways. In some schools, students graduated knowing how to multiply, divide, spell, and perform well on standardized tests, but they lacked joy and creativity. In contrast, other schools allowed students to explore their interests and build with their hands, fostering creativity but sometimes struggling with foundational skills.

 

At a pivotal moment in my career, I faced a choice between these two educational philosophies. Concurrently, with a new family, moving back to the San Francisco Bay Area made sense. A short search, thanks to friends, led me to Creative Arts Charter School. Here, I discovered a magical place that bridges these educational approaches. CACS is a school where students graduate with the academic foundations to succeed in high school and beyond, alongside the confidence to seek help, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and collaborate effectively with peers.

 

Over time, our mission has evolved to ensure that our students also leave with a desire to right wrongs, be changemakers, and advocate for social justice. This holistic approach makes CACS an amazing place for kids, families, and teachers alike.

 

For the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of this incredible school. I'm also a proud parent of one current CACS student and one CACS graduate. As a parent, I feel fortunate to be part of a community that truly centers joy, academic excellence, and social-emotional wellness.

 

Welcome to CACS, where we celebrate creativity, foster academic growth, and nurture future leaders. We look forward to sharing this journey with you and your family.