Featured School
ADUNA NEWSLETTER – MAY 2025 ISSUE
“Eastside Prep,
a one-of-a-kind institution”
May 2025 – Newsletter Issue
Earlier this semester, I had the privilege of visiting Eastside College Preparatory, a gem of an institution in the bay area that left me spellbound and full of hope for the future of historically underrepresented communities in the area.
Early in the morning, my host, twenty-five-year veteran teacher, Shaneka Julian, welcomes me warmly and ushers me in the beautiful campus, nestled in lush greenery, trees, and outdoor spaces. It’s class time at Eastside this Thursday morning, and things are accordingly calm. Walking through the hallways, my guide and I wave at students, whose bright smiles and giggles are reminiscent of any high school campus.
But looking closer, I discover what a unique place I have the honor of visiting. Located in East Palo Alto, California, Eastside is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school with a unique mission: to empower each and every one of its two hundred and fifty-seven students, not only to be the first in their families to go to college (for most), but to do so magnificently. To date, and since its founding in 1996, Eastside graduates have done just that: matriculating into four-year colleges at universities such as Stanford, Georgetown, Carleton, UCLA, UC Irvine, to name just a few.
Life at Eastside PreP
Like no other place
Throughout my visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing a bit of life as an Eastside student: from Spanish class to English literature, Conceptual Physics to AP Calculus but also, electives such as financial literacy or the school newspaper, showcasing a fresh off the press printed edition.
Around noon, after our tour of the rigorous academics delivered by high caliber faculty, we take a break in the cafeteria where we stand in line for made-to-order meatless burritos, before heading to the boarding facility where a proud school alum shows us around, while sharing stories of his own high school days. The price tag for all this: $0!
At the conclusion of the visit, as I bid my host good bye, I have the honor of meeting the two visionary co-founders of the school, Principal Chris Bischof and Vice-Principal Helen Kim and I leave with the sentiment that lives are undoubtedly being changed, on this side of the bay, one student at a time.
Would you like to learn more about Eastside College Preparatory? Connect with Admissions Officer Shaneka Julian ([email protected]) and sign up for a visit. You will not be disappointed.
