Dear Friends of Nativity Prep,

Happy New Year! The philosopher, Seneca, reminds us that “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” Celebrating a New Year encourages us to reflect on our life’s journey. Within the 11-year journey Nativity Prep students commit to as 6th-graders, there are significant ends and beginnings. Whether it be the beginning of middle school, their first year of high school, their graduation, or their first day of college, each start and end carries weight and has meaning. As a community, we celebrate each step of the journey.

I am fortunate to work with a phenomenal group of colleagues here at Nativity Prep. They are the magic behind the reality that students who enroll in Nativity Prep Academy are 5X more likely to graduate from college than their demographic peers. Our faculty and staff, along with our community of volunteers, mentors, and donors, are why our students describe this place as a family. It is a home away from home, a place you can count on to be there in your time of need, and a community that will celebrate with you in your time of victory. Nativity Prep is more than a school, more than a service, and more than a community. It is a family.

Family links us to our past and provides a bridge to the future. This is the essence of our work. Our students work hard to achieve their goals and, in doing so, they create opportunities in their lives. Like a family, we serve as a place they feel loved and know they belong. One of my favorite parts of each week is the Thursdays our high school students arrive for their Graduate Support classes. They come from more than 15 high school campuses, approximately 65% attending local private schools and 35% enrolling in local public and charter high schools across San Diego County to access our Graduate Support Curriculum. While here, they explore career opportunities, learn about various colleges and universities, receive tutoring, engage in test preparation, receive academic counseling, and learn how to apply for college while also pursuing funding for their education. Each week, minute, and experience is valuable. Most importantly, they return to campus and celebrate their community of peers, which is an extension of the family for many.

Nativity Prep is more than a place, more than a community; it is a family where all are welcome. If in this New Year, you are looking for a community where you can contribute your gifts and talents in a meaningful and impactful way, look no further. We are here and we would love to meet you! We hope you consider Nativity Prep a valued family member in your New Year.

God Bless,

Jessica Hooper,
President