Please watch our video: Help Us Save DCP-ARHS

Hello, 

Our names are Gracie Jaqueline Lopez and Madison Christian Sumpter.  We are currently Juniors at Downtown College Prep - Alum Rock High School (DCP-ARHS), located at 1776 Educational Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95116.  We are a small charter high school, with roughly 200+ students, located in the heart of East Side San Jose that helps kids from families of all backgrounds achieve the dream of attending college.  

Unfortunately, we got the news on February 1st, 2024 that our school is closing once the school year of 2023-2024 comes to an end, which will be this coming June.

One of the reasons why our school is closing is the the percentage of students enrolled has decreased drastically since COVID-19.  Another reason is the schools financial burden of around $1.5 million if they choose to close and to keep it open it will cost $4 million according to the communication received by parents.  The first hearing with the DCP board of directors in regards to the potential closure will be on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024. 

After hearing this devastating news, our peers at DCP-ARHS are very emotionally distressed and it has caused a big impact on our lives. DCP-ARHS is not just a school where we learn, but a school that has the values of desire, community and pride. At our school, we are not just friends, but we are truly family and DCP-ARHS has not only helped a lot of kids overcome the challenges that they have faced, but also help students become the first in their families to attend college. 

For me Madison, the challenge that DCP-ARHS has helped me overcome is the loss of my dad who passed in March 2021.  With the support of the staff and peers, I was able to deal with that pain, and now I would love to honor him and make him proud from the clouds above by achieving the dream of attending a 4-year University.

For me Gracie, a challenge I had to overcome was when my 13-year-old cousin passed away.  The administration at DCP-ARHS and the amazing film teacher on campus Mr. Daniel Osorio, helped me overcome the giant obstacle of her death by healing through heartfelt support.  I would love to represent not only my cousin, but my family as well as being the first ever to attend college in my family.

On behalf of us and our peers, we are reaching out to get your assistance by signing the petition and spreading the word for others to do the same in hopes that we can gain the support needed from our community and hopefully figure out a way to keep our school DCP-ARHS open. 

We would all love to be able to keep the traditions of Ganas, Comunidad, and Orgullo alive at DCP-ARHS for all of our current students now and for future generations to come.

With sincerest love and appreciation,

Gracie Jaqueline Lopez and Madison Christian Sumpter