Welcome to the Green Dot Blog!

Green Dot Schools Work to Narrow the Digital Divide for South LA Families

May 21, 2020

For many parents, COVID-19 has surfaced new challenges and anxieties as they grapple with uncertainty. Adjusting to what some call the ‘new normal’ has been far from easy for Noemi Rodriguez and her family.

National Charter Schools Week: Bright Spots and Joy

May 13, 2020

This week, we’re taking the time to reflect on the resiliency of our schools and their ability to support educators, families and students overcome all obstacles.

A Thank You to Our Teachers

May 7, 2020

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week during this time of uncertainty, we recognize our educators for their hard work and devotion to serving all students.

Nine Green Dot High Schools Ranked Best in the U.S.

Apr 24, 2020

Nine Green Dot Public Schools rank among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best High School Rankings.

Supporting Our Communities During COVID-19

Apr 16, 2020

Today, the role of public education is more important than ever. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, Green Dot remains committed in our mission to serve the most vulnerable communities and ensure all students are prepared for college, leadership, and life.

Ánimo City of Champions Celebrates Class of 2021 with 5-Year Renewal

Apr 7, 2020

On a sunny March afternoon, hundreds of Ánimo City of Champions supporters gathered with crossed fingers and high hopes at the headquarters of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE).

Helping Students See a Clear Vision For The Future

Mar 26, 2020

In the United States, an overwhelming number of students need glasses, but lack adequate access to vision care. To confront this unaddressed barrier to student learning, last year over 300 Green Dot students received free comprehensive eye examinations and eyeglasses. This year, we are well on our way to exceeding that number.

Latest Update on COVID-19

Mar 19, 2020

Throughout the world, we are facing unprecedented challenges arising from COVID-19. The decision to temporarily close schools is always difficult. The health and safety of our communities is of the utmost importance to us, to that end, this month we made the difficult decision to close our schools across our network.

Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Mar 12, 2020

Green Dot takes the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families very seriously. We are in constant communication with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH), Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), Public Health – Seattle and King County, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Industry Professionals Help Boyle Heights Students Develop Interview Skills

Mar 5, 2020

On an early school-day morning, students in Kim Kawaratani’s college readiness class at Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School wore freshly-pressed business attire and held neatly printed resumes as they patiently waited for class to start.

How This Alumna Helps Students in Her Community Overcome Barriers

Feb 19, 2020

Shannon Doss wasn’t always college bound. She grew up in South Los Angeles and entered the foster care system at the age of 16.

All Means All: Locke Students Promote Inclusion through Basketball

Feb 13, 2020

On a crisp December morning, a group of Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory High School students arrived at Mayfair High School and were welcomed by a zealous row of parents, students, faculty, and staff.

Difference Makers: How Mae Jemison Inspires Students through Space Travel

Feb 4, 2020

Mae Carol Jemison—an engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut—made history when she became the first African-American woman to travel to space in 1992. As a mission specialist on the NASA Endeavor Spacecraft, Jemison orbited Earth for just over a week.

Green Dot and Cal State Dominguez Hills Launch the Residency for Equity through Action and Learning

Feb 4, 2020

Across the country, schools are facing a common problem: hiring and retaining well qualified teachers. To address the growing national shortage of educators, Green Dot has partnered with California State University, Dominguez Hills to launch the Residency for Equity through Action and Learning.

City of Champions Shows Commitment through Inclusivity

Jan 29, 2020

Since the beginning of the school year, Dominique Bell, a special education teacher at Ánimo City of Champions Charter High School has reminded her students of two things: She has high expectations for each and every student and will always support them on their educational paths.

An Element of Surprise: My 36 Years in the Classroom

Jan 22, 2020

Growing up in a small provincial town in the Philippines, Marinela Cortez never imagined that an interest in the periodic table would lead to a degree in chemistry and a teaching career that has spanned 36 years.

How This School Put My Son Back on a Path to College

Jan 14, 2020

“I remember one day he came home and told me ‘Mom when I don’t understand something my teachers explain it to me in another way and it’s easier for me to get it.”

LA Rams Award Green Dot Coaches with $2,000

Jan 7, 2020

This winter, the Los Angeles Rams awarded Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy and Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School (AJR) with $2,000 each in honor of their high-performing football coaches.

Green Dot Students Inspire Community Giving

Dec 20, 2019

During the month of December, a child might mistake the Associated Student Body meeting room at Ánimo Leadership Charter High School with Santa’s workshop. Inside the meeting space, you’ll meet a sea of smiling faces, some arranged in neat lines organizing toys, clothes, and shoes, while others enclose gifts in bright wrapping paper and adorn them with bows.